Although new to the high school, special education teacher Walter VanVleck is not new to many students.

   VanVleck has been teaching a total of 14 years, and this is his first time at George County High School. He teaches self-contained special education. Prior to teaching at the high school he taught sixth, seventh and eighth grades at the middle school.

   He says that teaching at the high school is tougher because here you are preparing students for life. 

   Before he became a teacher, VanVleck served in the military for three years as a helicopter crew chief.

   “I feel like it prepared me for teaching,” VanVleck said. 

   Although he has been teaching for several years, VanVleck is beginning his high school career in the midst of a pandemic. He admits it is a learning curve for everyone.

   “It’s definitely different, aggravating, and a new challenge,” VanVleck said.