Bethel High School

TEACHING IN BETHEL SINCE 2001

GRADUATE OF: Marist College--BA, Western CT--MA

TEACHER OF: American Studies, Junior English, Reading Strategies

FAVORITE BOOK: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

QUOTE: "My job is never boring. I get to work with books, which I love. When students come back for a visit, those occasions are always a joyful reunion."

CONTACT: weissmannj@bethel.k12.ct.us

MELISSA CLARK

TEACHING IN BETHEL SINCE 2003

GRADUATE OF: UCLA, Western CT--BS

TEACHER OF: AP Literature, Senior English

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 100% passing rate with her AP students for three years in a row!

FAVORITE BOOK: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

QUOTE: "My love for this profession stems from a life-long relationship with the written and spoken word."

CONTACT: clarkm@bethel.k12.ct.us

WENDY RYAN

TEACHING IN BETHEL SINCE 2007

GRADUATE OF: Eastern CT--BA, Sacred Heart University--MAT

TEACHER OF: Junior English, Film Literature

FAVORITE BOOK: On the Road by Jack Kerouac

QUOTE: "I love when a student comes up with an idea and discovers that the idea is universal and can be discovered in literature. I live for those 'aha' moments."

CONTACT: ryanw@bethel.k12.ct.us

VENESSA EISENMAN

TEACHING IN BETHEL SINCE 2007

GRADUATE OF: Providence College--BA, Southern CT--MS

TEACHER OF: Digital English, Senior English, Journalism

BHS ACTIVITIES: Advisor of The Wildcat Word

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Rookie of the Year

FAVORITE BOOK: Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

QUOTE: "I like waking up in the morning knowing that the place I will spend the rest of my day is challenging, makes me laugh, and fulfills me."

CONTACT: eisenmanv@bethel.k12.ct.us

KRISTEN DIRZIUS

TEACHING IN BETHEL SINCE 2007

GRADUATE OF: Southern CT--BA, Western CT--MS

TEACHER OF: Sophomore English, Creative Writing

BHS ACTIVITIES: Advisor for Class of 2015

FAVORITE BOOK: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

QUOTE: "Teaching is never boring. Every day I have the opportunity to start fresh and improve on the lesson I did the previous day. This profession allows for continual growth for not only myself, but for the individuals I teach."

CONTACT: dirziusk@bethel.k12.ct.us

KATHERINE BURKE

TEACHING IN BETHEL SINCE 2008

GRADUATE OF: Fairfield University--BA, University of Bridgeport--MS

TEACHER OF: Freshman English

BHS ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society Advisor, Advisor for Class of 2014

FAVORITE BOOK: East of Eden by John Steinbeck

QUOTE: "I love being surrounded by intellectual professionals who inspire and help me everyday. I also live for the moment when a student tells me that he/she liked the book we read."

CONTACT: burkek@bethel.k12.ct.us
 

GREG MINOR

TEACHING IN BETHEL SINCE 2008

GRADUATE OF: UConn--BA, Univ. of Bridgeport--MS

TEACHER OF: Sophomore English, Junior English

BHS ACTIVITIES: JV Baseball and Football Coach

FAVORITE BOOK: Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

QUOTE: "I like to share my passion for literature, writing, and athletics with young people."

CONTACT: minorg@bethel.k12.ct.us

MATTEA HELLER

TEACHING IN BETHEL SINCE 2008

GRADUATE OF: Roger Williams University--BA, MS

TEACHER OF: Freshman English, Creative Writing

BHS ACTIVITIES: Key Club Advisor, Gay Straight Alliance Advisor

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Rookie of the Year

FAVORITE BOOK: Watership Down by Richard Adams

QUOTE: "I love working with students. They make me laugh and keep me on my toes. I am always impressed by their insight and unique perspective."

CONTACT: hellerm@bethel.k12.ct.us

BETH NISCHAN

TEACHING IN BETHEL SINCE 2008

GRADUATE OF: Central CT--BA

TEACHER OF: Freshman English, Theater

BHS ACTIVITIES: Gay-Straight Alliance, On Stage Players, Fall Play Director

FAVORITE BOOK: London Fields by Martin Amis

QUOTE: "I am invigorated by the curiosity and enthusiasm for life and learning that I see in my freshmen students on a daily basis. BHS is a great place to be! "

CONTACT: nischanb@bethel.k12.ct.us

Kristen O'Rourke

TEACHING IN BETHEL SINCE 2012

GRADUATE OF: Susquehanna University --BA; Sacred Heart University -- MA

TEACHER OF: Sophomore English, Public Speaking

FAVORITE BOOK:Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

QUOTE: "I like the community of the English department, and the school as a whole, and how friendly and invested everyone is in educating students."

CONTACT: o'rourkek@bethel.k12.ct.us