By OLIVER GOOD

Staff writer

Teaching is more than just a job for two new USD 408 teachers.

Kelsey Metro, who will teach middle school science, is returning to her alma mater.

She graduated from Marion High School in 2002 and received a bachelor’s in education with an emphasis in middle school math from Emporia State in 2007. She completed a master’s in education, with an emphasis in English as a second language in 2010 at Newman University.

She is excited to return to her alma mater after working as math facilitator for USD 428 in Great Bend.

“It is great to be back in a smaller district where everybody takes care of each other,” Metro said.

She looks forward to doing interactive, hands-on projects.

“I love to see that ‘light-bulb moment’ in a student, when their face just lights up, it all clicks and you know they understand,” Metro said.

Metro’s husband, Jordon works for USD 408 as accounting and business manager.

Together they have two daughters; Kaelynn is 4, and Peyton is 1.

Tim Cassidy is the district’s new vocal music teacher. He will work with Grades 5 through 12.

Cassidy graduated from Liberal High School in 2000. He received his bachelor’s in music education from Emporia State in 2005 and received his master’s in choral conducing from Kansas State in May.

Like Metro, Cassidy enjoys fostering and witnessing a light-bulb moment.

“In teaching music there is a certain amount of emotional and affective domain you deal with,” he said. “Music helps kids learn to communicate and express their emotions in a positive manner.”

Cassidy’s wife, Tamara, also is a teacher. She will be substituting in the area while also selling jewelry.

Together they have two daughters; Sophie is almost 3 and Julia is 6 months.

Cassidy, Metro and her husband all replace USD 408 employees who recently retired.