This year Venice is home to eight new teachers. These teachers range from a new librarian to a new photo teacher. All of these teachers said they are happy to be at Venice and plan to make an immediate impact.

Mr. Joseph Boyer is the new photo teacher this year. Mr. Boyer earned his BFA (Bachelor of Fine Art) at Santa Barbara Art Institute, and he also attended the well known Brooks Institute of Photography. Mr. Boyer has taught at many other schools in his 22 years as a teacher including Lakewood in Long Beach, and Roosevelt in East Los Angeles. When asked about Venice High, Mr. Boyer said, “ I am happy to be here, I think this is the nicest school I’ve ever been in.” When Mr. Boyer isn’t teaching, he can be found traveling. This past summer, Mr. Boyer went to Paris, and this December, he and his wife are planning a trip to Hawaii.

Ms. Pauline Neilly is our new librarian this year at Venice High School. A graduate of UCLA, Ms. Neilly has been an educator for 19 years and previously taught at Venice. Ms. Neilly said, “I’m glad to see both old friends and to make new friends.” Ms. Neilly is also a traveler, and her favorite travel destinations include South East Asia and Europe.

Ms. Missy Shepherd is a new physical education teacher, as well as the new cheerleading coach at Venice. Ms. Shepherd is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington and has been teaching for five years. Ms. Shepherd has taught at three previous schools, two in North Carolina and one in East Los Angeles. When asked about her experience at Venice so far, Ms. Shepherd said, “I love it! It’s very organized, and the teachers are reaching out to help me on a daily basis and the students really respect me.” Ms. Shepherd’s hobbies include surfing, mountain biking, working out, and traveling.

Mrs. Nakita Morris-Tebong is a new English teacher at Venice. She is a graduate from Maryland and Chicago State and she has been teaching for thirty years. In Los Angeles she has previously taught at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School and Sam Gompers Middle School. “So far, I am enjoying Venice. I think that most of the students are goal oriented.” Mrs. Morris-Tebong enjoys the theatre and has been involved in theatre for thirty years.

Ms. Amy Uyematsu is a new math teacher at Venice. Ms. Uyematsu has a master’s degree from UCLA and has been teaching for twenty-five years. She has formally taught at Grant High School and Granada Hills High School, and she said, “I can honestly say this is the friendliest staff and student body.” Ms. Uyematsu enjoys writing poetry, catching a foreign flick, reading, or just listening to jazz.

Mr. Lex Kristeneff is a new English teacher at Venice. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt College and has been teaching for just three and a half years. A former teacher at Morningside High School, Mr. Kristeneff said Venice is “great!” Mr. Kristeneff enjoys hanging out with his girlfriend and running.

Mr. Paul Kouri is the new global geography and international relations teacher, this year replacing Mr. John Brierley. He has been teaching for four years and is a graduate of West Point. Mr. Kouri previously taught at Foshay Learning Center and when asked about Venice he said, “I love it, it’s a great school.” Mr. Kouri spends his free time playing golf and basketball as well as doing yoga, reading and watching movies.



Mr. Jonathan Cook is a new life skills teacher this year. Mr. Cook is a graduate of Northwestern, and he has been teaching for three years. Mr. Cook previously taught in Chicago. “I like Venice; the kids are fantastic,” he said. Mr. Cook became a beach fan upon moving to California and he also enjoys skateboarding and reading.