CHS is not only a fresh start for the freshmen class, but it is also a new beginning for several new teachers on campus. Carolyn Han and Scarlett DeLao are new full-time teachers at CHS. Han has become a full-time science teacher and is teaching Biology and Zoology and Botany while DeLao is teaching Integrated Math 1 and 3.

Han enjoys her time teaching all of the students in her two classes, but becoming a teacher was not a part of her original plan. Initially, she had intended on getting a Masters Degree in nursing and receiving her nurse practitioner’s license. Despite her plan to become a nurse, Han began her career as an AVID tutor at CHS in 2012. Though she was able go through many teaching opportunities, she felt that she was meant to become a teacher at CHS. She realized how much she loved to be in class and work with students.

“CHS is where I learned I even wanted to be a teacher period. I loved the collaborative nature of the staff, the energy of the students, and the support everyone has for one another. I feel very lucky to be here,” Han said.

Now, Han is studying to receive her Masters Degree in education at the University of La Verne in order to further her education in teaching.

In contrast to Han, DeLao always knew that she wanted to become a teacher. For all of her life, she was inspired by her teachers. They were her role models and she looked up to them. Although she was not the best math student, she stated that her Algebra 2 teacher encouraged her to do better. Due to this teacher’s encouragement, DeLao felt the desire to major in math and become a teacher.

“I love that math is definite. I love that math requires proof. Everything we learn in math is concrete and remains true,” DeLao said. “I love that I can use prior knowledge over and over again when learning new things. It is powerful to feel like what you have learned in the past is still applicable and relevant to your current education.”

She already knew about the city of Claremont because DeLao was raised in the neighboring city of Rancho Cucamonga. Also, before she became a teacher at CHS, she worked at Jurupa Hills High School in South Fontana as a student teacher.

As Han and DeLao begin the start of their careers at CHS, they both hope to learn alongside their students. Though this is a their first year working as teachers at CHS, they express their excitement about becoming mentors and creating good relationships with all of the students at CHS.