Edit Khachatryan
Having previously taught government and economics for two years at Jefferson High School in South Los Angeles, Edit Khachatryan is excited to teach both AP and regular U.S. History in her third year of teaching. She had never seen Clark, yet decided to join the staff based on blind faith. “I heard good things about Clark,” she said. “The administration, students—just everything is great.”

Lauren Hilmar
After a few visits to California from Connecticut, Lauren Hilmar decided this was the place for her. The news that Clark was looking for new teachers only added to her excitement. “I found out about Clark through a website,” Hilmar said. “I loved the innovative approach to teaching and learning, the challenging program and the staff.” She accepted a position here as a Spanish 3-4 and Freshman English teacher. Hilmar said she feels that she was not only welcomed by the Californian sunshine but also by a warm family at Clark.

John Bailey
When Assistant Principal Joan Shoff introduced new staff members on Sept. 5, many students recognized a familiar face: substitute John Bailey, who substituted for English teacher Melanie Martin last year for nearly a semester when she left on maternity leave. This year Bailey is taking the place of English teacher Diana McGrath, who is also on maternity leave, as the AP and regular American literature teacher. “This is my first time teaching full time, and so far it has been a pleasure interacting with students and analyzing literature,” he said.

Susan Belderian
Two years ago, a tragic event spread sorrow throughout the campus: the death of teacher Dennis Henderson. After his death, teacher Susan Belderian substituted for him for three to four months, and this year, she has been permanently added to the Clark staff. Being familiar with Clark through her sister and 2005 Clark graduate Sandra Belderian, she left Hollywood High School and became an Algebra 2 and Math Analysis teacher here. “The faculty and the students made me want to come here,” she said. “There’s a warm camaraderie that does not go away.”