By LESLIE MANNING
The Spotlight
Southeast of Saline USD 306 schools are off and running, with the majority of students returning to the building on Wednesday, Aug. 16; and kindergarteners on Friday, Aug. 18.
With the start of school are new faces at Southeast of Saline USD 306 schools, including a new secondary principal, Nick Owen, and several new teachers.
Nick Owen
Secondary Principal
Education: Bachelors degree from Kansas Wesleyan University; masters in educational leadership from Kansas State University.
Experience: 15 years as a teacher and coach at Salina Central High School; 9-12 principal and athletic director at Solomon High School
Family: My wife Ava, and I, have three daughters who will enter kindergarten, eighth grade and tenth grade, respectively, beginning with the 2023-24 academic year. Ava is also in education as a high school math teacher and is nearing completion of a three-year program to earn a doctorate degree in curriculum and instruction.
According to the Thursday, March 16 issue of The Spotlight, the monthly newspaper that covers the SE Region of Saline County, Owen is supportive of increasing career pathways and partnership programs for students. He plans to first get an understanding of the local needs, then work together to provide opportunities for students at SES as he has done in the past.
“My personal opinion is that we listen to our community and business world about the soft skills needed for our students to be successful,” Owen said. “They can vary from district to district. Once we know what our stakeholders – outside of our walls – feel is important, we can have conversations on how to teach those skills within our curriculum so that our students are successful long after they leave USD 306.”
Not all students are college-bound and Owen feels the need to set them up for success whatever path they choose.
“We don’t want to pigeon-hole kids,” Owen said. “The world is changing. We’ve got to prepare kids; to teach kids to be successful. I feel it is vital that we prepare our students for jobs and careers that are not even created yet. Their lives and preparation for their lives will be much different than what we had for schooling, but the basic soft skills remain in every career.”
Creating opportunities for maximum potential with all kids requires an understanding of individual student’s needs.
“There are many ways to look at diversity,” Owen said. “We value every individual student, making sure they feel safe at school and creating a plan for their success. School is a safe place we provide in our building from 8 to 4. We’re doing what’s best for the kids. That’s what benefits kids the most.”
Joshua Nelson
Math and Physics
Education: Bachelor of Science in Physics from Kansas State University, M.S.E. in secondary education from Fort Hays State University
Why did you choose teaching as a career?
I enjoy math and physics, and love the idea of growing a love for math, science, and engineering for bright, young students.
Experience: Student teacher in physics/physical science at Central High School.
Family: Both of my parents live here in Salina. Furthermore, I have a brother and two nieces that live in Salina that I love to spend time with.
Hobbies and interests: I enjoy Netflix, video games, building legos, disc golf, and spending time with my friends and family.and family, reading and gardening.
Kirsten Casada
Elementary Art and High School Tech Lab
Education: Bachelor of Arts degree in art education from Kansas State University
Why did you choose teaching as a career?
I chose teaching as my career because I am passionate about loving kids of all ages. I know each student comes from a unique home situation and I want each of them to know how valued and loved they truly are. They are also just a joy to be around and to spend time with.
Experience: My past teaching experience has consisted of being a para professional throughout college, substitute teaching throughout college, and student teaching at Southeast of Saline to wrap up my degree.
Family: My husband and I are coming right up on being married one year in September.
Hobbies and interests: In my spare time, I enjoy going on walks, chatting with new or old friends over coffee, and just spending time with people in general.
Heather Manley
K-2 Special Education
Education: Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Southwestern College; Master of Science in special education from Fort Hays State University
Why did you choose teaching as a career?
I knew I wanted to work with children and make a difference in their lives/education.
Experience: I have taught for 10 years, all of which have been in special education.
Family: My husband, Andrew and I have two children, Charlotte (6) and Lincoln (7 months).
Hobbies and interests: I enjoy being with friends and family, reading and gardening.
Heather Lewis
Family and Consumer Sciences/FCCLA
Education: Bachelor of Arts degree in Family and Consumer Sciences education from Kansas State University and Masters degree in education from Baker University
Why did you choose teaching as a career?
I love teaching everyday real life skills and leadership skills to students to better prepare them for their future adult lives.
Experience: I taught 8-12 FACS at Eureka Junion and Senior High, Yates Center High, and FACS at Lee’s Summit Campbell Middle School
Family: My daughter Isabela is a freshman at Fort Scott Community College on a rodeo scholarship this year. My boyfriend, Mike Davison, coaches and teaches at McPherson High School and his son Gable will be a second grader this year.
Hobbies and interests: I spend most of my spare time with my daughter at rodeos or in the stands watching football and wrestling. I love to fish, read, attempt to play golf, and go to the gym.
Jessyka Barten
Third grade
Education: Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Kansas Wesleyan University.
Why did you choose teaching as a career?
I found my passion for teaching growing up in 4-H and participating in leadership events, camp counseling, and volunteering. Many of my role models growing up were also teachers or coaches at my school.
Experience: I have taught for 10 years, I taught one year at Starting Point Preschool in Salina while I was completing my bachelors and last fall I was a student teacher at SES in the kindergarten. After I completed student teaching, I spent one semester at Heusner Elementary in Salina teaching second grade.
Family: I attended Hope High School for the entirety of my K-12 career. I then moved to Salina to attend college at Kansas Wesleyan University. While there I participated in cross country and track for one year and basketball for two years. I’ve hung around Salina ever since, and I’m excited to be part of a rural community again.
Hobbies and interests: In my spare time I love going to sporting events, reading, spending time with family, playing with my 2 kittens, and snuggling up with some coffee.
Barten will also be the assistant coach for junior high volleyball and junior high girls basketbal