Kathryn Jeffords is no stranger to Duncan Middle School.
Even though she is among the new teachers at DMS, this is not her first time in the school’s hallways and classroom. Jeffords, who is teaching technology engineering exploration, at DMS was previously one of the seventh-grade English teachers at Duncan Middle School several years back.
“This year, there will be more hands-on learning experiences, which is different from what I heard about Coach (Kyle) Walbrick’s teaching style,” Jeffords said. “I am trying to bring in more real world experiencers and speakers this year.”
She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in public relations. Although she has been teaching for nine years, her first two years were at DMS.
Since leaving DMS, the following six years were spent teaching literacy and physical education in Edmond Public Schools.
“I came back to Duncan because I enjoy the community feel, along with it being my hometown,” Jeffords said.
At DMS, the technology engineering exploration class is open to sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students. Jeffords is filling in the role left vacant by Kyle Walbrick, who now teaches at Duncan High School.
Avee Mahaffey and Huck Petersen are both students enrolled in technology engineering exploration this year. Both said they enjoy the class and like Jeffords as a teacher.
“Jeffords is a really nice teacher and teaches us very well, and I think she is very open to questions if we don’t know what to do,” Mahaffey said. “I also like the room because it gives off a good vibe.”
Petersen had similar thoughts.
“I feel good about the class because we get to do something every day,” he said. “(It’s) just the right amount of difficulty, the work isn’t super tough or too much of it but it isn’t pre-K work. I feel like the teacher is a good teacher and that she is nice and patient for the students, but she can be strict if needed to.”
