Several teachers throughout the school do not live in Newton, making a longer drive to work, which can impact their daily routines compared to those who live in town.
Athletic Trainer Katrina Steiner makes her way to work from her farm located in McPherson County, near Canton, Kan.
“Canton school district is an extremely small school, and being an athletic trainer, I needed to work at a bigger school, because I have worked in colleges as well,” Steiner said. So Newton was the best option for me because it is a 5A school, and I love coming to Newton and working at Newton.”
Colder weather conditions make it a challenge to get to work on time and even to be able to show up.
“It is more difficult, especially when we get into the snowier days. There were a couple of times when I had to stay home because our roads were not scooped, and it was icy. So I had to stay home those days,” Steiner said.
PE Teacher Tommy Edgmon makes a decently long drive every day towork. Coming from Wichita, he states that some days it takes up to 40 minutes to get to the school. Though the drive can be long, he finds that there are some advantages to living elsewhere.
“It’s great. I see no kids when I go back home,” Edgmon said.
The weather is also a big factor for Edgmon when it comes to getting from place to place, sometimes affecting arrival time.
“When the weather is bad, it takes longer to get here,” Edgmon said.
PE teacher Jacelyn Davidson makes one of the longest trips to and from the school every day. Living in Wellington, the average drive takes an hour.
“I enjoy it because there is a good work-life balance,” Davidson said.
There are pros and cons to living so far away from work.
“The best part is I don’t see students a lot outside of school. The worst part is the extra drive time and gas,” Davidson said.
