Staff writer
Hillsboro schools have three new teachers and a new elementary counselor this school year.
Devin Metzinger
Devin Metzinger will teach math and Project Lead the Way at Hillsboro High School. He will also be head high school football coach.
A teacher of two years, Metzinger said he is impressed with both the school and the community support for both it and its activities.
He said previous teachers who showed him the way inspired him to become a teacher.
“I hope to be that for students today,” he said.
He wants to help students become the best they can be in whatever field they choose.
Heather Corby
Heather Corby will teach kindergarten through second grade music, kindergarten through fifth grade art, and English as a second language at middle school and high school.
She earlier taught for six years, then spent five years being a full-time mother.
Corby and her husband, middle school and high school principal Clint Corby, moved to Hillsboro last year. Both value the small town atmosphere and the value of education at Hillsboro, she said.
Her own elementary school teachers inspired her to become a teacher.
“I want to help my students realize their full potential,” Corby said.
Autumn Hardey
Autumn Hardey is Hillsboro’s new elementary school counselor. She’ll also supervise after school activities.
A teacher for nine years, this will be her first year as a school counselor.
“USD 410 was appealing to me because of the parent involvement, the community support, and the great staff,” Hardey said. “I had a few teachers in elementary school that influenced my decision to become a teacher, and when I was in high school I discovered that I really enjoyed working with younger children. I also went into education so that I had the opportunity to coach as well. My hope as I begin my counseling career is that I can have a positive impact on students, staff, and families. I’m here to help everyone in any way possible. I’m looking forward to building relationships and connections within USD 410 and the Hillsboro community.”
Tamara Cassidy
Tamara Cassidy will teach sixth grade math and reading at Hillsboro Middle School.
She will also sponsor student council and the Renaissance program.
Cassidy taught nine years previously, at Hesston, Manhattan, and Arkansas City.
Her position at Hillsboro will make for less driving.
“We live in Hillsboro,” she said.
She became a teacher because she wanted to help kids, not just academically, but in life as well, Cassidy said.
In her career, she wants to have fun and make a difference in students’ lives.