Newest teacher at WHS aims to make learning fun

WALLACE — A new school year seems to always bring a few new staff members, but this year there is only one new face at Wallace Jr./Sr. High School.

Jeanne-Marie McPherson has taken on the role of new English teacher for the seventh and eighth grades at WHS.

McPherson, a Coeur d’Alene resident, has been teaching for most of her life, including playing “school” during the after school hours of her childhood, but officially she has been teaching since 2004.

“When I was 6, I would come and play teacher,” McPherson said. “But I decided to get my teaching degree (from Gonzaga) and I especially love this age group, I love learning, and I love sharing that feeling with the students.”

McPherson is an English teacher, but her talents extend far beyond just that one subject alone.

She also holds endorsements in theater and musical arts in addition to speech and debate, and is a professional musician that has taught music in the past.

“I’m available to help with anything they need help with,” McPherson said. “I love the performing fine arts.”

The breadth of her experience is not just limited to different subjects, McPherson has also taught students of all ages from pre-school to college levels.

McPherson is excited to be in Wallace, where she has already fallen for the welcoming community.

“This place is like a family,” she said. “This place is fantastic. Everyone has been so welcoming and warm. I’m just so thankful to be here.”

McPherson has been working all summer to be ready for her first class, because she truly cares about her students and wants them to enjoy learning as much as she enjoys teaching them.

“I want to make learning a fun, positive experience,” she said. “I focus on a lot of active student involvement and creative ways to get my students engaged in learning. I work hard at making learning fun.”