This year, WHS was given a change in the science department. Wellness teacher John Berry took over as new science department head, although he is still continuing his duties as a wellness teacher. Berry has been teaching in Wayland for 16 years as a wellness teacher, but has decided to take on a few less wellness classes in order to make time for this new development.

“I have only ever taught at Wayland, however I’ve only been at [Wayland] High School for eight years,” Berry said.

Berry spent many years before joining Wayland High School teaching at the elementary school. He worked for Claypit Hill Elementary School for eight years before deciding to make the switch to WHS where he has spent the rest of his teaching career as a wellness teacher.

“This opportunity was brought to my attention by Dr. Mizoguchi,” Berry said.

Recently, Berry completed a leadership graduate degree which made him a great option for administration. Because of this degree he will hopefully be able to help each teacher even though he cannot necessarily help with the actual material they are teaching, as he will still stay as a wellness teacher and not a science teacher.

“I will have the added responsibility of supporting the science teachers in various ways,” Berry said. “I will also be teaching fewer classes than in previous years.”

Berry’s new position will mostly be to support the science teachers and assist them with any potential problems. Although Berry himself will not be teaching any science classes, he assists in any questions surrounding the science curriculum for any grade level and making sure that each science teacher is able to take on whichever classes they have.

“Movement and sports was my major in college,” Berry said.

From college through his entire career, Berry has been practicing and studying to be a wellness teacher. Berry has never done any science teaching and doesn’t plan to do any in the future. Because of this, the transition to being a science department head has been a confusing change for many people. Berry will most likely only fill this position for the year, as he provides administration with more time to choose a new science department head.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to observe the brilliant staff we have in the science department,” Berry said. “I have only interacted with many of these teachers outside of the classroom, so I am looking forward to seeing them in action. I hope I can have some sort of positive impact on them in the areas that I feel I am strong in.”