by Darius Davila|Staff Writer

After teaching for eight years, one of Johnson’s original faculty members has chosen his career move as of next year.

“This may be my last year as a teacher at Johnson, depending on if I get the job or not,” chemistry teacher Robert Westhoefer said.

However, many of Westhoefer’s past students are saddened by the fact that this may be  his last year as a teacher at Johnson.

“It would really suck if he left, because he’s such an awesome teacher,” junior Bryan Miller said, “He always tries to make sure that the students understand everything and have as much help as they need.”

Westhoefer is well liked among students.

“I really hope Westhoefer doesn’t leave, because he’s like one of the few cool teachers at Johnson,” Senior Jacob Garcia said.

Although Westhoefer is going to miss teaching, he realizes the even greater influence he can make by making a career change.

“I’m going to miss a lot of it. For example, being in the classroom teaching and the interaction with the students,” Westhoefer said, “I’m looking to go into a leadership position, I want to be a school administrator because with teaching you have a huge impact on kids but when your an administrator, contrary to what people may think, you have more kids to impact and more opportunities to make an impact.”

Westhoefer has influenced many of his students lives simply by communicating with them and doing all that he can to help them learn and grow.

“Westhoefer is my favorite teacher; he really takes the time to get on the same level as his students and ensure their comprehension of the material,” junior Kyreece Miller said.

Westhoefer has been teaching at Johnson since the school first opened and he recalls his most memorable experience.

“The first day Johnson opened was probably my most memorable experience here so far,” Westhoefer said. “There was just so much excitement and the first group of Johnson kids came in and they where like so special because they were the first kids ever to set foot on the campus.”

Students describe Westhoefer as being unique when compared to other teachers.

“I think what makes Westhoefer different from other teachers is his insane O.C.D, his muscular physique, and his fun, sarcastic sense of humor,” junior Austin Farar said.

Despite Westhoefer’s desire to become an administrator, he realizes the long process it takes to accomplish this goal.

“I’m not quite at that point where I can be an administrator yet, it’s a long process,” Westhoefer said. “First you have to go to grad school and get your masters in educational leadership, and then once you receive your degree you have to take a state exam. Along with this, you have to have completed two certification classes. All I lack is my Masters degree; I am currently finishing school to get it.”

This career shift will not only effect Westhoefer job-wise, but personally as well.

“I’ve gotten very comfortable teaching here at Johnson, and chances are if I get the job I won’t be at Johnson… but I will have more time and have to move around more as opposed to practically being in a classroom all day. I think when the door opens up for  me to make this career change I’m going to miss the interaction with the students the most,” Westhoefer said. “I’m going to miss teaching the content and the satisfaction when the students finally understand the material, but I’m still going to be dealing with kids and interacting with them and that’s really what I love doing most.”