Haynes at his desk in his room. Photo courtesy of sophomore Gabrielle Neer.

  This school year, we are welcoming many new faces in our classrooms. Chemistry teacher James Haynes has already made a splash at San Luis Obispo High School within his first months of teaching but plans to reach many more within his stay.  

To learn more about this new addition, Expressions interviewed Haynes.

Expressions: What made you apply for a job at SLOHS?

Chemistry Teacher James Haynes: I live in the area and was teaching the summer experience when the position was posted.  I wanted to teach closer to my home and decided to apply and got the position. 

Expressions: Has the environment of SLOHS been welcoming?

Haynes: Very much so, the staff here is great and the students are amazing

Expressions: As far as staff goes, what do you think the staff at SLOHS value most?

Haynes: That each student is an unique individual and deserves to be given every opportunity to succeed and show us who they are. 

Expressions: What made you get into teaching science? Was it your first job choice?

Haynes: I worked in immunology before becoming a science teacher, but I think I knew I would always be a teacher.  I had a hard time growing up and teachers were the people who were there for me when I needed it.  They are the ones who believed in me and allowed me to thrive when my homelife was chaotic and out of control. 

Expressions: What is the funniest teacher stereotype that you fit into?

Haynes: The mad science teacher. I love being goofy and silly in class.  

Expressions: What are the top three things that you value most in your classroom?

Haynes: A respectful environment where everyone feels valued and safe, a culture that encourages everyone to succeed, and a place where it’s okay to make mistakes.

Expressions: Is there any teacher from your own high school experience that you look up to and want to emulate?

Haynes: Mr. Adams, my high school chemistry teacher didn’t give up on me when I struggled and I really want to be like that for others. Mr. Fackleman just made learning fun and I also want to do that. 

Expressions: Do you like being closer to your kids while you’re at work? 

Haynes: Yeah it’s nice to teach where my kids attend. They come by during lunch and I feel closer to them. 

Expressions: What is one thing you want all your students to know about you?

Haynes: That every one of my students changes and impacts who I am as a person.  Every day in my classroom, each experience I have helps to build me into a better person and I hope that their experiences in my classroom build them into better people as well, and I really love what I do even when I get overwhelmed, anxious, and nervous. 

  Students at SLOHS look forward to being in Haynes’ room everyday. He is a very valued teacher here and staff and students hope to still see him here in years to come.