Art classes at the high school underwent a change in educators within the last month. On Nov. 7, the school board approved the resignation of former art teacher Ms. Kaylee Haggerty. At the same board meeting, Mr. Jim Gregg had his transfer from the middle school to the high school approved.

Gregg graduated from Edinboro University, now PennWest Edinboro University, with a specialization in art. He started his career in education as a substitute teacher, but Gregg assumed his first position in the district in 2004, as the middle school art teacher. Over the last 20 years, he often did lessons on the basics of clay-based works, color theory, sewing and drawing three-dimensional shapes. Gregg learned the artistic talents of his students through his elaborate lessons, and those talents enabled him to build bonds with the student body.

“I built hundreds of positive relationships with the staff and students [at the middle school],” Gregg said.

Gregg stated he did not envision himself becoming a high school teacher, because he enjoyed the excitement and imagination of his middle school students. However, when high school principal, Mr. Steven Mott, approached him with the opportunity to fill the recently opened position at the high school, he obliged.

“[The transition to the high school] was exciting, scary, invigorating, sad and nerve racking all at the same time. I loved being a middle school teacher and I knew I would miss it,” Gregg said. “I also think it is important to shake things up sometimes, go exploring; change is good too.”

After coming to the high school, Gregg undertook Haggerty’s High School Exploration, Fundamentals of Art, Advanced Art and Ceramics classes. Most of these classes have not undergone a noticeable shift in lessons or artworks during the transition of educators. On the contrary, Gregg experienced a noticeable shift, with his typical class size. With smaller classes than the middle school, Gregg has been able to develop more personal connections with students.

“Mr. Gregg is an amazing art teacher, and I really enjoy him,” Aubrey Boyd (11) said. Boyd takes Gregg’s Advanced Art course.

In addition to taking over the art classes, Gregg was given the opportunity to manage the high school Art Club. Students in the Art Club had the opportunity to paint murals, create school-specific logos and participate in small, personal projects during club meetings. Field trip opportunities, including visits to art museums within the city, were also accessible through the club. Gregg, through adopting the club, will lead the students through these experiences.

With the resignation of a beloved teacher, Haggerty, art classes and the Art Club came face-to-face with the unknown. Gregg’s transfer to the high school allowed students to adapt to this change with a familiar face. His history of teaching in the district allowed for this change to be a welcome one.

“I’m happy to be here. Much like it is for the freshman class and will soon be for graduating seniors, everything is different than it was. New challenges and opportunities await,” Gregg said.