Robles Returns To Waverly
Connor Strange
Co-Editor-in-Chief
Waverly has seen a surplus of new students this year, but they aren’t the only additions. A handful of fresh teachers were thrown into the mix since last school year, including a new science teacher: Mark Robles.
Robles spent time as a student teacher here with science department head Pam Wendel, and has been enamored with the district since then.
“I love it. I student taught here three years ago, and when I left to my other job I always had in the back of my mind that if there was ever an opening I’d like to come back here,” Robles said.
Though his student teaching experience was during his college years, his list of degrees extends beyond them.
“I graduated from Cozad High School in central Nebraska,” Robles said. “I then got my biology degree at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and my masters in education from Doane College, and am now pursuing my second masters degree.”
His old job was in Johnson County, half the size and a fiftieth of the population of Lancaster. The population difference, even compared to a small town such as Waverly, is striking. But Robles experience growing up and the time he spent at WHS helped him to be prepared.
“I grew up in a town about the size of Waverly, so it wasn’t a big shock to come to Waverly. The transition was pretty easy,” Robles said.
Alongside the fivefold headcount of students between the two schools, the science faculty is more numerous and the equipment newer at Waverly.
“As far as the equipment we have, it is a huge upgrade. We have a lot of great science teachers here, and working with teachers that have been in the business for a while is awesome, and I can learn great techniques from them. I’m definitely learning a lot from our staff,” Robles said.
Those spiffy new(er) facilities allow Robles to teach his myriad of science classes effectively, and further his enjoyment for them.
“I teach anatomy, physiology and biology,” Robles said. “I enjoy all sciences, specifically the life sciences. I’m very fortunate that I can be teaching them.”
The students Robles has in those classes range from sophomore to senior year, and they’ve proven to be a successful pairing with their teacher.
“I have sophomores for biology, and then both juniors and seniors for anatomy and physiology,” Robles said. “All of my students are great; everybody is working hard, and I couldn’t be happier with their progress. I look forward to the rest of the school year with them.”
The enthusiasm Robles holds for his subjects is carried on to all other aspects of his occupation. He feels lucky to return to the place where he fondly remembers student teaching years ago.
“It’s exciting,” Robles said. “I feel like it was almost a dream come true as far as the full circle of getting great educational experiences with Mrs. Wendel and then being able to come back and work in the science department that she is the leader of is a fortunate opportunity.”
Robles wasn’t entirely unfamiliar with Waverly because of his student teaching experience, but the three years in between saw many changes to the school. Regardless, the faculty members of WHS were as welcoming as if he never left.
“The staff has been awesome. There is so much positive energy around here that makes it very easy to get to know them. As far as them welcoming me with open arms, it’s been an easy transition,” Robles said.
Outside of the classroom, the science teacher doubles as a defensive coordinator for the Viking football team, which is similarly enjoyable to him.
“The guys that we’re coaching have been awesome,” Robles said. “They’re very responsive and respectful, and it’s making the season very enjoyable.”
Though the players are well-mannered, they haven’t won the last few games against rival schools. However, Robles thinks they’ve improved in ways that can’t be shown on a scoreboard.
“As far as the scores go in the past couple of games, the scoreboard doesn’t show progression,” Robles said. “As far as our team growth as a whole, I feel like they’re doing a great job.”
Robles looks forward to his future at Waverly, and is happy with teaching high schoolers as he proceeds to further his own learning.
“I really enjoy my job as an educator, and I enjoy where I’m at in the high school level. My goals are to master my content in science and continue to pursue my education in the field of education,” Robles said.
The science teacher has begun his personal Viking Voyage, with a noble destination of improving himself and the district.
