Among the new faces at Boothbay Region High School this year are resource room teachers William Fraser and Jane Stevens, along with special education tech Caitlin Shepherd, who is replacing Pam Baldwin and Penny McLaughlin. The three provide critical support to the mainstream staff and all consider the school uniquely equipped to handle the ever changing needs of today's student.

Fraser is a Lincoln Academy graduate who has moved back to the region after teaching at the North Shore Academy in Chicago, a therapeutic day school. As a resource room teacher, Fraser focuses on special education, students who need differentiation, and other assistance they can’t get in a typical classroom setting. 

“Often there are students who exhibit behaviors and have needs which exceed what their teachers can provide,” said Fraser. 

Fraser is especially enthusiastic about the school’s willingness to adopt new technologies and the open administrative approach. “The school has been at the forefront of implementing technology in all their classrooms,” said Fraser. “I’ve found the administration very welcoming and open to trying new things. They trust staff when they see something that may be beneficial.”

Shepherd is a Southport native and a 2006 graduate of BRHS. An English teacher in East Sandwich, Massachusetts for five years, Shepherd was a long-term substitute teacher last year at the high school and segued into her new role as a special education tech this year. 

“As an alum it’s great to be back,” said Shepherd. “I’ve had the opportunity to work in a different state and travel. To come back and be part of this community is so important.”

Shepherd works in tandem with both classroom teachers and students. The flexibility to work with both groups is especially appealing to her and one reason why she is excited about the opportunity.  “My job can be anything from note-taking skills, studying for test review, or teaching research skills,” she said. “It also can be working on interpersonal skills in a non-threatening environment.”

The special education job description requires patience but the rewards can be worth every struggle, she said.  “For me it’s the light bulb moment,” said Shepherd. “When you see them take an idea, concept, or skill they’ve been working on and it clicks.”

While Stevens’ position may be new, Stevens is a friendly and familiar face in the Boothbay school system.  She was the elementary school’s assistant principal from 2002 to 2012 before becoming special education director for BRES, a position she held until last year. She is a graduate of BRHS and earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of New England. 

“I’m coming full circle,” said Stevens. “I enjoyed the administrative role but wanted to get back to the classroom level where things really happen.”

To her, making a difference with kids is crucial to building a better community. “Many of these kids will live here after graduating,” said Stevens. ”Teaching learning skills and having students feel successful is important to me.”

The three new staff members said building relationships with students is critical.

“We want to know their limits and also push them,” said Stevens. “We all want to be here to help and use a team approach. It’s one of the benefits of a small school.”