As we kick off the new school year, the Hawk’s Nest is welcoming many new faces. With 9 teachers who started here this August, as well as 6 teachers who were new to the nest in the crazy 2020-2021 school year, read on to get to know our latest Hawks!

MRS. BITTLE

Classes taught: English 9, English 10

Started at UHS: 2020-2021

What do you like most about UHS so far? “The sense of community and how enthusiastic everyone is about being a Urbana hawk.”

One piece of advice for your students? “Come ready to think!”

MRS. BLAIR

Classes taught: English 9

Started at UHS: 2021-2022

What do you like most about UHS so far? “The staff is supportive, the kids are responsible, and everyone is very friendly.”

One piece of advice for your students? “There is a lot of reading in my class, and you have to be responsible!”

MS. COX

Classes taught: Health

Started at UHS: 2020-2021

What do you like most about UHS so far? “The pride in our community.”

One piece of advice for your students? “Come to class with a positive attitude.”

Favorite thing about teaching Health? “Teaching valuable skills and pushing mental health.”

MR. FRIEDLAND

Classes taught: Sociology, Modern World History

Started at UHS: 2020-2021

What do you like most about UHS so far? “I love the positive attitude everyone has. The school radiates positivity, and it really feels like a welcoming community.”

One piece of advice for your students? “Don’t be afraid to ask for help!”

MR. HOLMES

Classes taught: AP Physics, Algebra Based Physics

Started at UHS: 2021-2022

What do you like most about UHS so far? “The students.”

One piece of advice for your students? “Do what’s asked by all the teachers.”

MS. KUSZNIR

Classes taught: Geometry, Algebra

Started at UHS: 2021-2022

What do you like most about UHS so far? “The collaboration between teachers and students.”

One piece of advice for your students? “Ask questions. It’s been a crazy two years – it’s okay to ask for help!”

Favorite color: Pink

Favorite ice cream: Avocado and dark chocolate

MR. LARGENT

Classes taught: Piano

Started at UHS: 2021-2022

What do you like most about UHS so far? “The students. They’re kind, warm, and respectful. It’s refreshing to see students who are interested in learning.”

One piece of advice for your students? “Don’t be afraid to try. Have an ‘I can’ attitude.”

MS. LYNCH

Classes taught: American Studies II

Started at UHS: 2021-2022

What do you like most about UHS so far? “Definitely the students. I tell my students everyday that I can’t believe sometimes I get paid to do this because my classes are so cool and hardworking. I also love how Urbana is a place for everybody, there’s something for everyone in Urbana, and that is what I like about it.”

One piece of advice for your students? “My big thing is that I kind of have a work hard, play hard mentality. I have high expectations, but I also have high support too, and I want students to try to work to be independent, and to come to me if they need help. When I was a student I would rather take an F than ever ask my teachers for help, I would never want to go up to them and ask for help. But it’s really important, especially since students have been virtual for the past school year. Also just be present in class, be there, have an open mind, and work hard.”

MS. MISKE

Classes taught: English 10

Started at UHS: 2021-2022

What do you like most about UHS so far? “I love how welcoming and supportive the community has been and how much the department has helped.”

One piece of advice for your students? “Be ready to talk a lot. English stems from discussions and students should challenge themselves and one another respectfully so they can grow academically.”

MR. NABORS

Classes taught: Government

Started at UHS: 2021-2022

What do you like most about UHS so far? “I love the community. I love seeing people in the hallway dapping each other up, shaking each other’s hands, smiling at each other. It’s really cool to see everybody’s on the same page with what the school’s about.”

One piece of advice for your students? “I would say just have a good attitude, be ready to learn. There’s no such thing as a stupid question, and really anyone’s opinion can be valued.”

MR. ROSENBARKER

Classes taught: Latin, French

Started at UHS: 2020-2021

What do you like most about UHS so far? “The quality of the students and rigor of academic expectations.”

One piece of advice for your students? “That it’s okay to be wrong, and okay to be awkward!”

MR. SMUCKER

Classes taught: Foundations of Computer Science, IB Computer Science, AP Computer Science

Started at UHS: 2021-2022

What do you like most about UHS so far? “All the students are very eager to learn, especially after the pandemic when kids are back in the classroom. It’s much more fun. Everyone seems to have a positive outlook towards learning and chooses to go above and beyond.”

One piece of advice for your students? “If you give respect, you’ll get respect. I’m reasonable, so if you want to do a project about something else that still fits the criteria, I’ll be more than happy to let you do a project on what you want to do.”

Got any fun/favorite quotes? “My dad always says that “the love of jazz isn’t in its mastery, but in its discovery.” I think that’s true about most things.”

MS. SUMMERS

Classes taught: Small Animal Pre-Vet, Horticulture, Foundations of Technology

Started at UHS: 2020-2021

What do you like most about UHS so far? “The school spirit is awesome here!”

One piece of advice for your students? “Don’t be afraid to try new things and get out of your comfort zone.”

MS. WHITE

Classes taught: Geometry, Contemporary Math

Started at UHS: 2021-2022

What do you like most about UHS so far? “The culture. Students are highly motivated and diverse.”

One piece of advice for your students? “Try harder, don’t slack off, invest in your education.”

Favorite color: Turquoise

Favorite ice cream: “Anything with chocolate and Reese’s Cups!”

MR. ZIMMERMAN

Classes taught: Foundations of Computer Science, Intro to Business

Started at UHS: 2021-2022

What do you like most about UHS so far? “The district and UHS has given me so many resources to do my job in the way that I want to. Everyone has been super welcoming, the staff have made me feel welcomed, and the students have been awesome as well. I was nervous on the first day that I came in and the students have just been so nice and polite and welcoming.”

One piece of advice for your students? “My class is all about executive functioning. That means that you have to structure your life about your responsibilities. There are loads of different projects and independent assignments that you need to keep track of, so make sure that you know how to schedule and use your in-class time wisely. Also remember to ask for help too! I can change things to help you get caught up, but you need to let me know so I can help.”

Got any fun/favorite quotes? “My favorite quote is a Joan Baez quote: she says that “the antidote to despair is action.” It means that if you’re ever feeling down, you should think of something big or small that you can do to feel better.”

We can’t wait for an incredible year with all of our new teachers!