New Teachers Go Dragon Wednesday, September 09, 2009 By Alanna Reeds [ArticleImageHyperLink] Advertising New teachers are all over the district, but CHS only has two! New high school teacher Mrs. Mandy Klenk accepted a new position at Cameron R-1 high school as a biology, astronomy, and ecology teacher. Mrs. Klenk graduated with a bio-chemistry degree from Northwest Missouri State. She also received her masters at Iowa State. "This is my first job seeing the students succeed. When I first went to college, I didn't want to be a teacher because my mom [Mrs. Brizindine] was a teacher, but over time I realized that teaching is what I really love," said Mrs. Klenk. Mrs. Klenk has one main philosophy to impart to her students. "Always have an open mind and never take anything you are told as truth; there are things that can be debatable in different ways." Mrs. Klenk does not coach any sports,but plans to possibly run other extra activities over time. "For now Iplan to focus solely on my classes and making them the best," said Mrs. Klenk. She wants to retire as a Cameron Dragon many years from now.      Mrs. Klenk is in a unique position because she was a CHS student not so long ago.  "There have been a lot of changes over the years, however, the dynamics of high school will always stay the same," she explained.      Mrs. Klenk is joined on the staff by Ms. Allison Klock, a special services teacher. Ms. Klock already has a general studies degree with an emphasis in health promotions in business from Missouri Southern in Joplin.  She just finished her undergraduate degree in May of 2009, but she is still working on her Masters in Special Education form Northwest Missouri State. Ms. Klock originally came from Maysville leaving and was a home bound teacher for students who had to be gone for an extended abscence. Klock is still a softball and track coach in Maysville, but has high hopes for her Cameron students. "I want them to figure out who they are, be the best, and learn how to respect others. That will get them far," said Ms. Klock. She helps kids with special needs. Ms. Klock just graduated from high school in 2005, but already has some long range plans. She hopes to stay at CHS as long as she is needed and will retire at 46 years old. Whenyou get a chance, stop by these great new teachers classrooms andwelcome them to CHS. They plan to be here a very long time!

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