With Rick Weinheimer’s recent announcement of retirement, a new English Department Chair had to be chosen for next year’s students. After applying and being interviewed for the position, Katie Chaplin was chosen as his successor.
“I chose to apply for the position,” Chaplin said. “There were over ten applicants who went through applications. There were two rounds of interviews in addition to the application process. I was offered the position and I accepted.”
Chaplin said she feels like it will be challenging, but she’s looking forward to it.
“I’m kind of looking forward to new challenge. There are going to be a lot of differences because I’m going to shift roles from a teacher to an administrator, and with that comes a lot of duties and relationships with teachers. I don’t think I’m worried about that. I’m confident in my abilities to lead. I know that there will be challenging situations and there will be a lot of questions that I have as anyone would in a new job, but I also know that there’s a really great support system here at North.”
This support system, according to Chaplin would include multiple staff members.
“Our principals… other department chairs have been great so far, and I’ll be able to learn a lot from Mrs. Arthur and Mr. Nowlin and Mrs. Briner [other department chairs].”
On top of being a teacher, Chaplin will have to balance teaching and being an administrator.
“[I’ll be teaching] two classes every day, but the rest of my day will consist of meeting with teachers and other administrators. I’ll be conducting evaluations of other teachers, helping teachers improve themselves and grow professionally. I’ll also work with things like curriculum development and our AP program and special educations teachers.”