The Buzz

North Reading High School aims to create a rewarding and welcoming learning environment for both students and teachers. Every once in a while, we are fortunate to have new and exciting teachers become part of the community. In particular, this year we welcome a brand new teacher to start their teaching career at NRHS.

Ms Bull, a new chemistry & anatomy teacher at the high school describes what she loves about getting to work at NRHS: “Getting to know and become a part of such a strong and supportive group of teachers,” she explains. She loves interacting with her coworkers and getting to know one another. “it’s like having 30 different mentors all aiming to help me succeed”. NRHS faculty are happy to assist new teachers in order for them to adjust comfortably. “It is so wonderful to get to start out my teaching career in a town/school like this!” North Reading, a warm and welcoming town always looking to add new members of the community, welcomes Ms Bull.

This is not the first time Ms Bull has worked with kids. After going to Whittier to study childhood education, she worked in a daycare for two years. Like her, many teachers start out with the love of teaching & guiding kids, it’s only a matter of what they want to specifically do with that passion. “Once I was done with college and student teaching, I worked as a substitute and then transitioned into social emotional learning [SEL] teacher for 7th graders in Georgetown.” she remarks. SEL teachers specialize in growth in students, targeting emotions, goals & decision making, and relationships with others. They foster a supportive learning environment for students to develop various skills, something very much present within Ms Bull’s teaching techniques. Her goal is to make her teaching hands-on and relevant, encouraging student participation & exploration.

Whittier college—established in 1901, CA—where Ms Bull found her love for chemistry

Like most, Ms Bull did not have her future set in stone from the start. “I wanted to be an English teacher during my high school years and transitioned after so many family members told me to choose a higher paying job.” she says. “I changed my mind after taking my first year college Chemistry class.” As seen here, it is alright to switch directions halfway through your academic journey—going with instinct will often work out in your favor in the long run, if that’s what you’re really passionate about. “My professor is still one of the most influential people I have ever met,” she remarks. “She showed me how powerful women in science are and I immediately wanted to do the same!” This is the perfect example of how while the impossible may seem impossible, going against your passion simply because people around you want you to be ‘realistic’ should not stop you from chasing what you truly want & are passionate about. Hard work, determination, and passion always pay off.

Ms Bull has also found joy in the connections she has made with her students in class. “We started our year with a few ‘getting to know you’ activities,” she explains, interested in what makes every individual student unique. She goes on to say, “but I love being able to find the time to know every student in the little moments and small conversations during class. I also try my best to go out and support my students whenever possible to show them I care about what they are interested in!” For example, she attended her first Masquers production in the fall—Water For Elephants—to support her students in the high school’s theatre program, and was blown away. She later saw the one act production of Amadeus in the spring, and was once again impressed. She is always looking for opportunities to show her caringness for what her students spend their time & innovative mind on.

And of course, every teacher has a favorite unit/topic they teach. For Ms Bull, “I love teaching gas laws,” she explains. Gas laws refer to the relationship between gases and its pressure, volume, and temperature, according to Britannica. “There’s so much space for fun experiments as well as connections to real life so it helps keep students engaged.“ Her sophomore chemistry classes often conduct and engage in labs. “I’ve always had lots of fun with this unit, so I am excited to see what lessons I can come up with for it this year!” she exclaims. As for anatomy, “The unit I am looking forward to the most is the endocrine system,” she remarks. “This unit will help students understand more about the science behind the emotions they experience.” This is her first year teaching anatomy, and is loving it so far. “I spent a lot of the summer researching each unit more in depth”. With this, she creates collaborative & experimental learning, such as various different labs, while also allowing students some independence when completing tasks. At the same time, she is always there to help students if they are struggling or unsure.

Outside of school, Ms Bull enjoys a variety of innovative activities. “I love to hike and bake!” she exclaims, both relating to science, of course. She goes on to explain, “There is a mountain up in Vermont that I try to go at least four times a year and hike a new trail” Many other teachers at NRHS also have a hobby of hiking; a great way to get fresh air! “For baking, I’ve done it as a way to relieve stress since I was 15. I love trying to make different types of cookies!” Towards the beginning of the year, her chemistry students get to make cookies from scratch using her famous (and delicious) chocolate chip cookie recipe. Students are tasked with converting the measurements to find the correct amount of ingredients to add in, then she takes the dough home to bake—combining chemistry and engagement of students with something that she does for fun.

Ms Bull offers a passionate teaching style, and brings a positive & connecting spirit anywhere she goes. Already, she is enjoying her time working with everyone at the high school. Here, she shares what she loves about teaching. “I love being able to create a space where students look forward to learning and are excited to be involved in the classroom”. Through this, students are motivated to want to work for better grades and the growth of their own knowledge. “I live by the cliche of becoming a teacher because of all the great teachers I have had,” she explains. “I love being able to make that same safe and welcoming environment for my students.” Like many of her peers, Ms Bull aims to be inclusive of everyone, and make students feel safe to be themselves or talk about anything to her. “Everyone deserves to have a positive learning experience and I hope to continue to provide that”.

We are thrilled to be welcoming a new addition to the NRHS community. Already, her kids love being in her class, as she makes lessons enjoyable and understandable for everyone. Welcome to NRHS Ms. Bull!