Here at FHS, two new members, Linnea Homa and Jaclyn Smithhammer, have joined the faculty. Both of them were approved by the school board on Oct. 11, and since have moved into their classrooms and begun teaching.

Smithhammer is the new special education learning support assistant, taking the place of Cara Seymour. Homa is the new science teacher, taking the place of Brandi Burger. Homa will be teaching several courses, including Biology 2, AP Biology and Human Anatomy and Physiology.

ABOUT LINNEA HOMA

Homa’s college education consists of a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Allegheny College and a master’s degree in teaching from the University of Pittsburgh.

Her previous jobs have consisted of one and a half years of teaching at Susquenita School District in Dauphin,Pa. Homa stated that she wanted to apply to Freedom because she was originally from this area and wanted to be in another small school district, but closer to her family.

Homa stated that she is excited about “getting to know all of the students, getting to work with them, getting them to enjoy biology, enjoy science and enjoy all the lab activities we are doing.”
Outside of school, Homa likes to do outdoor activities like hiking, backpacking and kayaking.

ABOUT JACLYN SMITHHAMMER

Smithhammer has a master’s degree in Special Education from Waynesburg University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the California University of Pennsylvania. In addition, she has an associate degree in Criminal Justice and an English as a Second Language (ESL) certificate.
Her previous jobs consist of working for three years in Las Vegas teaching second and fourth graders, three years in inner city Philadelphia teaching Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) ESL fifth graders and then, for the past five years, she taught special education night school at Ambridge Area School District.

“I heard really great things about the district,” Smithhammer said, reflecting on why she chose to work at FHS.

Smithhammer states that she is excited to be working in a new environment with high school students, being able to get to know the students and motivate them to be responsible and confident.

Outside of school, Smithhammer likes to attend and teach yoga classes, go camping and hiking and go to concerts with friends.

Both teachers are excited to get to know their students and faculty and want to make their classes enjoyable for the students.