By Kiara Cain
After a nearly a whole semester and two substitutes, Madelyn Koske was welcomed into The Swamp in room A204. Koske is now teaching US History and took over for former history teacher Ms. Treme.
During Covid, Koske taught at Booker T. Washington High School for a year before deciding to take a break and travel overseas.
“I started teaching during Covid, but I originally planned to spend a significant time overseas before jumping into the education world,” Koske said. “So I taught at Booker T. for a year, and by that time there was more room to travel so I did.”
Koske spent two years visiting countries such as India, China, and Vietnam. She also spent time in Europe and North Africa before coming back to Shreveport.
“I moved around a lot and I just felt like it was time to feel a little more settled in life, so that’s why I came back and wanted to be closer to my family,” Koske said. “When you are gone for a long time, you start to actually miss them. You don’t think you will as much, and then you do.”
Despite the school year having already begun, Koske still applied at Shreve to continue teaching. By coincidence there happened to be a history position open which was ideal for her.
“The school year had already started so I was not sure if I would find something available, but then I saw an opening at Shreve. However, I wasn’t really sure what the opening was,” Koske said. “ When I came, they told me they had a US History position open and that was exactly what I taught before, so it turned out perfectly.”
Although Koske has started teaching a little later than usual, she is enjoying her time and her students are warming up to her. Since there have been subs in and out of the classroom, it can take a while to fully adjust to a permanent face.
Even with this minor challenge, Koske is pushing through and keeping positive.
“Ideally I would have started in the beginning of the year, but I did not come back to the US until after the school year had started. However I think this is a perfect fit for me. I have some great kids and I’m really excited to get to know my students more,” Koske said.
Koske has created a warm and friendly environment in her classroom as she works hard to make sure her students are happy and interested in learning. By using presentations and engaging lessons, it allows students to get to know each other while providing the ability to catch up on missed topics.
“I enjoy the class and I think Ms. Koske is a nice, easy going person with a sweet personality,” junior Tailynn Anderson said.
Koske has been warmly welcomed onto campus and the change from having many substitutes to having a teacher who is passionate about the subject has been greatly appreciated.