AP U.S. History teacher, John Conner, one of the most beloved teachers on campus, has announced his resignation, effective 4:15 p.m. today.
Starting Monday, Geography and AP U.S. History teacher Tara Evans will be taking over the majority of Conner’s classes, and the district will hire Homa Lewis to take over the majority of Evan’s classes. Lewis’s first day in the district will be November 26, the Monday after Thanksgiving Break.
Although Conner’s sudden departure may have caught the school and district off-guard, the process for filling a new staff position in the middle of the year is no different than at the beginning.
“We post the position online and review applications and then begin the interview process,” Superintendent Ted Moore said. “We keep our application database up all of the time and we receive new applications for teacher positions even when we do not have an opening. In areas such as social studies, we always have a deep pool of applicants.”
Conner is leaving of his own accord for personal reasons that will not be disclosed. However, Conner has made it clear the issue does not regard his health. Staff and faculty are handling this important news professionally, respecting Conner’s wishes for privacy.
Administration, aware of the immense effect this change will have on both teachers and students, chose to release the information of Conner’s resignation today for the first time in order to minimize classroom disruption.
“I was shocked and very sad for both the students and the faculty when he came to me with the news,” Principal Gavan Goodrich said. “He is a great teacher and he will be missed.”
To see student’s reactions on Twitter, visit https://www.theredledger.net/2012/11/09/student-twitter-reactions-to-john-connors-departure/
To see a column by one of Conner’s former student’s, visit https://www.theredledger.net/2012/11/09/ode-to-conner/
