Ag Mechanics is welding together a new team dynamic with interim replacement Bailey Kirby.

On November 2nd, the previous teacher, Tim Reid, took the job of assistant principal at Nevada Union High School, leaving Ms. Kirby to attend Bear River’s Ag Mechanics classes for the time being.

Ms. Kirby expressed her feelings about taking over for Mr. Reid.

“It feels weird because technically I haven’t taken over yet. … I’m just kinda filling in,” she said, “I still feel like a student, so it’s a weird transition.”

“It’s a lot of information to take in, but I’m excited,” Ms. Kirby added. “I feel confident, but overwhelmed.”

Many students in the Ag department were dispirited about Mr Reid’s departure. However, they conveyed their positive thoughts about Ms. Kirby as a replacement.

“I think it’s a bummer that he’s leaving because he was a good teacher,” said Justin Kilgore, a junior. “I have known Ms. Kirby since before she was a teacher … so I think she is very well suited for the job.”

“I was a little upset at first because he was a really good teacher, but I’m happy for him,” said Noah Danieli, a senior. “I like Ms. Kirby … I think she’s really familiar with the shop. I think she’s good with the students; I think she’ll be a really good replacement.”

“It puts us all in a predicament. Switching teachers halfway through the year is hard,” said Joe Franks, a senior. “New teachers don’t always work out but thank God it is (Ms. Kirby). … Ms. Kirby is doing great but, she’s still learning the ropes.”

Ms. Kirby, a Bear River alumna, talks about how she got to where she is now.

“I’m fresh out of college,” she said. “Earlier this year I was substitute teaching.”

“I swore I would never teach high school. … I fell in love with agriculture and that’s how I ended up here,” Ms. Kirby said. “This is what I want to teach: shop.”

Ms. Kirby said she is applying for the permanent position and is hopeful that she may get it.

“The job was open … so I don’t know what comes next.”