New and returning teachers joined the faculty for the 2023-24 school year.

One of them is Caroline Doering, the new advanced creative writing and arts exploration teacher.  However, this isn’t Doering’s first teaching gig, as she previously taught at  A.W. Dreyfoos School of The Arts as an artist-in-residence. Because Doering loved teaching so much, she wanted to do it full-time.

“I had a bachelor’s degree in media production from FSU, but during the COVID-19 lockdown, I went back to Palm Beach State College to get my teaching license,” Doering said.

After teaching at the high school level, Doering has noticed the similarities and differences that exist in middle school.

“I think still in middle school, you’re a bit more open minded still to other art areas and not too pigeon-holed yet,” Doering said.

Even though she never went to Bak or Dreyfoos, she feels like she belongs here.

“I’m an artist myself,” Doering said. “ I feel like Bak is more artistic, so I felt that it was only right to start teaching here.”

Leann Bassett, sixth grade vocal major, loves Doering’s arts exploration class because her list of predictions was fulfilled.

“I expected her to be nice and really fun, and she met those expectations,” Bassett said. “I love how kind Ms. Doering is. She’s also very creative.” 

Another thing Bassett loves is the diversity of her class.

“I thought there would be just people of one major in the same class, but everyone is different, and I love that.”

Beatriz Lewis is the latest addition to the English language arts department. She teaches both sixth and seventh graders. Reading has always had a special place in her heart.

“I love literature. It takes us on an adventure,” Lewis said. “I love that literature can reach across all curriculums. Literature teaches us about the past and about life.” 

Part of the reason Lewis started teaching is the belief that literature isn’t just limited to the classroom.

 “We can relate to the current issues the author writes about,” Lewis said. “It cultivates imagination and critical thinking skills, and it also strengthens our writing/communication skills.”

Positively impacting the community through mentoring future generations is also important to her.

“I became a teacher to help others and make a difference,”  Lewis said, “I found my purpose and really enjoy shaping students into successful people in the future.” 

Skylar Palmieri, seventh-grade theater major, enjoys being around Lewis.

“I like Ms. Lewis’ personality and the way she teaches,” Palmieri said. “She’s funny and she targets what you’re supposed to be working on.” 

Through Ms. Lewis’ ELA class, Palmieri has found a new love for reading.

“I actually used to not like ELA or look forward to it,” Palmieri said. “But, Ms. Lewis has made it fun and engaging.”

Camille Johnson, costume design instructor, is a new teacher this year, but she’s no stranger to the inner workings of arts schools. 

“I actually went to Bak and Dreyfoos, but I was a visual major,” Johnson said.

 Johnson’s interest in costume design during her childhood was what compelled her to start teaching others this skill.

“My mom used to make all of my Halloween costumes herself, and I always got to have input in the design,” Johnson said. “When I got to high school, I started helping her make them. I didn’t really consider taking it on as an art form until I got to my junior year at Dreyfoos.”

Johnson’s teaching career  may have just started, but she’s already found her favorite part of the profession.

“My favorite part of teaching is watching the new sixth graders grow. They’ve already gone from being quiet and shy to doing projects on their own,” Johnson said.