This year, the WHS science department changed. Wellness teacher John Berry has been appointed as the new head of science, but he continues to serve as wellness teacher. Berry, who has been teaching wellness at Wayland for 16 years, has decided to cut back on his wellness classes to make more time for this new development.

“I’ve only taught at Wayland, [Wayland] Eight years in high school,” Berry said.

Berry spent many years before enrolling at Weyland High School, where he taught in elementary school. He decided to switch to his WHS after working at Claypit Hill Elementary School for his eight years and spent the rest of his teaching career as a wellness teacher.

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

Berry recently graduated with a Leadership Graduate Degree, making him a great choice for a managerial position. Because of this degree, he will remain a wellness teacher rather than a science teacher, so I hope that I can help each teacher, although I can’t necessarily help them with the actual material they teach.

“I have the added responsibility of supporting science teachers in many ways,” Berry said. “I also plan to teach fewer classes than before.”

Berry’s new position is primarily about supporting science teachers and solving potential problems. Although Berry does not teach science classes herself, she supports science curriculum questions for all grade levels and ensures each science teacher can take any class.

“Athletics and sports were my majors in college,” Berry said.

Berry has practiced and studied to become a wellness teacher since college and throughout her career. Berry has never taught science classes and has no plans to do so in the future. For this reason, the transition to head of science has been confusing for many. Berry will likely take the position only this year to give the administration more time to select the new science head.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to observe the talented staff of the science department,” Berry said. “I have only interacted with many of these teachers outside of the classroom, so I am excited to see them in action. I hope I can have some positive impact on them.”