Although the year is coming to an end, that does not stop our staff from thanking and celebrating all the new teachers at Etowah. 

Matthew Karoglou, tenth and 12th literature teacher, began a new club at Etowah called the Mock Trial Club. This is a way for students interested in a law degree to get field experience in a court. There are two coaches, a teacher coach, and an attorney coach. Karoglou teaches the logistics of the courtroom and helps the students to understand the material. 

“I think just being aware that there is life after high school is a first step [in growing],” Karoglou said. 

Amber Thayer, Healthcare Science teacher and HOSA Advisor, has been a registered nurse for 23 years. Before she came to Etowah, she worked as the school nurse at Boston Elementary for 11 years. She knew she wanted to work at Etowah because her oldest daughter graduated from here. This is Thayer’s second year as a teacher. She plans to expand her degree by starting a program at the University of Georgia this summer to gain her teaching certificate. In her free time, she loves being outdoors and spending time with her family.

“I love interacting with my students and sharing my passion and knowledge of healthcare. In the future, I hope to expand the Healthcare Science program and offer students an option to obtain either their CNA [Certified Nursing Assistant] or CCMA [Certified Clinical Medical Assistant] Certification,” Thayer said.

Jill McEachern, ESOL teacher, has been teaching for a total of 11 years. This year, she teaches World History and Earth Systems. She was referred to teach in Cherokee County by a friend, and she ended up loving it. Throughout the year, she feels like she is no longer new and has made a home here and plans to stay for a long time.

“My favorite part of Etowah is the people. The staff and the students are friendly and enthusiastic,” McEachern said.

Susannah Smothers, Algebra 1 and 2 teacher, has taught previously in Cobb County but came to Etowah for her first year as a certified teacher. Smothers plans to stay here in the future because of her coworkers and the students she teaches. Outside of school, she loves to exercise and watch movies.

“I wanted to come to Cherokee County because I heard so many amazing things about the schools here. Of the places I interviewed, Etowah was the one that felt the most welcoming and the most like home,” Smothers said.

Thank you to all these new teachers for building up the students at Etowah. Every teacher on Eagle Mountain is much appreciated.