By Nicolette Olson
Staff Writer
A new member of the Barden clan is on his way. Catherine Barden, Costa’s Advanced Placement and College Preparatory biology teacher, is expecting her first child and started a maternity leave on Jan. 21.
“During the begining of my maternity leave, I will finally have the chance to get the baby’s room ready,” Barden said. “Overall, I’m really excited about what is to come.”
Barden’s substitute, Jessica Whitlock, will take her place for the remainder of the school year.
Whitlock holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in biology from Syracuse University and a Master of Arts Degree in urban education from Loyola Marymount University. Whitlock previously taught in East Los Angeles.
“My first impression of Jessica wasthat she seemed extremely eager to start teaching the students and that she is a hard worker,” Barden said.
Barden is confident that her students will do well on the AP biology test despite her absence. Whitlock has already taught AP biology in the past.
Barden plans to return from her maternity leave to teach full time at the beginning of the 2011-12 school year.
“Even though I think it will be a challenge to adapt and to adjust to the substitute’s teaching methods during the middle of the school year, I feel quite confident. It’s good to know that the new substitute has taught AP biology before and that she has the same credentials as Mrs. Barden,” junior Jenna Tong said.
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