Fresh Faces

Mrs. Walsh

Polson High School welcomed Amanda Walsh, a new English teacher this year, bringing a fresh approach to exploring literature. With six years of teaching experience in Missoula and nearly a year in Ronan, she now teaches three sections of senior English, one section of junior English, and a career-oriented English class for seniors.

Her teaching philosophy highlights letting students shine in their own understanding of literature. She encourages in-depth class discussions and assessments that allow students to explore big ideas in their own ways. 

Walsh cherishes the relationships she builds with her students. “I can help prepare them all for futures that are bright, and I want to ensure that what we’re doing in class feels meaningful to them,” she says. 

Mrs. Szurleys

Polson High School has a new library assistant this year, Julie Szurleys, who brings a love for books and a desire to connect with students. Originally from Seattle, Mrs. Szurleys moved to Montana in 1995 and managed restaurants in Yellowstone National Park before moving to Polson about four years ago. This is her first job in any school district, so we get to see the very beginning of her journey in public education.

“I love how our library is set up like a social hub,” Mrs. Szurleys says. “It’s a great space for students to hang out, not just an intellectual place, but somewhere you can talk, visit, and even have drinks. It’s multipurpose, more than just a library.” Her goal is to make it a comfortable space where students feel at home, whether they’re getting into research or simply enjoying a book.

Mrs. Szurleys also encourages students to get involved in the Library Advisory Club, which meets monthly and gives students a voice in the activities and changes happening in the library. The club plays a big role in shaping the library into a place that reflects the needs and interests of the student body.

Mrs. Fischer

Hannah Fischer has taken on a dual role at both the middle and high school levels in her first year as an educator and choir teacher. Ms. Fisher’s journey to becoming a teacher began early—whether she was being goofy in front of her classmates or helping as a teacher’s assistant in choir, she knew that teaching was her calling.

Ms. Fischer starts her school day at the middle school, where her students provide all the energy she needs. “I don’t need a cup of coffee; I’ve got middle schoolers,” she said. After teaching first and second periods, she heads to the high school to teach the bass, select, treble, and concert choirs. She keeps her classes structured and productive, starting with body stretches, Solfege study, warm-ups, sight reading, rhythm clapping, and diving straight into music. Her students would tell you that one of the most interesting aspects of Ms. Fischer’s teaching style is her knowledge of Gen-Z slang. 

Ms. Zeigler

Kourtney Zeigler, in her seventh year of teaching art classes in Polson, recently made the jump from the middle school to the high school. She always knew she wanted to be a teacher, even playing school with her younger brothers growing up. In college she thought she’d become an earth science teacher, but after a tough chemistry class, she switched to art, a choice she’s never regretted.

Now, Ms. Zeigler is known for her vibrant hair, which has been every color of the rainbow, and her welcoming approach to teaching. She’s passionate about creating a classroom that’s full of art and music and buzzing with creativity. She loves connecting with her students, meeting them where they are, and encouraging them to develop their artistic skills. 

Mrs. Ramesar

With 19 years of teaching experience, Mandy Ramesar opens a new chapter teaching history at Polson High School after 17 years at the middle school and two years in Lander, Wyoming. This year, she is excited to work with juniors and seniors, teaching U.S. History and Psychology. 

Looking ahead, Mrs. Ramesar wants to put on more projects and apply the schoolwide note-taking system, aiming to create a space where kids feel excited to learn. “I want kids to want to be here and ask questions in whatever form that looks like for them,” she emphasizes.

Students might hear her break out into song when it pops into her head during lessons, adding an element of surprise to her classroom. 

Mrs. Oberwegner

After 25 years of teaching math at Polson Middle School, Pam Oberwegner has made the transition to Polson High School, bringing with her decades of experience and a passion for teaching math. Before her time in Polson, she taught for eight years in Arizona and Colorado, making this year her 33rd year in education. She considers it a blessing to be at the high school now, and she especially appreciates the school’s supportive administration.

Having a passion for changing the stigma around math, Mrs. Oberwegner understands that many students feel embarrassed or ashamed if they struggle. She wants to combat the idea that only some people are “math people.” “Everyone is a math person in one way or another,” she explains. She emphasizes that math is a relevant part of students’ futures. To her, it’s important to “bring more of the world to the classroom, more than the classroom to the world.”