Recent graduate fills open science position
Taking the place of Brad Simon after his passing in mid December, new science teacher Mattithyah Tillotson takes over the classes previously taught by Simon. Tillotson majored in chemistry, general physics, and secondary education with a chemistry concentration at K-State University. “I’ve been a teacher assistant for chemistry labs and recitations for three years, I think, so I’ve taught, like, hundreds of college students,” Tillotson said.
When science teacher Brad Simon passed away on Dec. 13, students and teachers wanted time to mourn. Finals, however, were only a week away, and Simon had AP Physics 1 and Chemistry classes scheduled for second semester.
“The position itself requires a Physics endorsement and Chemistry endorsement, and that’s kind of a tough combination to find,” Principal Ed West said.
While West searched for a replacement, he and several teachers within the school taught Simon’s classes and helped with grading tests and entering scores. West also called USD 497’s district science representative and requested she call area colleges and advertise the opening of the position.
Mattithyah Tillotson heard about the opening through that representative contacting Kansas State University, where Tillotson graduated with three Bachelor’s degrees at the end of last semester.
“I majored in Chemistry, General Physics and Secondary Education with a Chemistry concentration,” Tillotson said. “I also have a lot of experience teaching both high school and college students.”
Tillotson tutored high school students, assisted teachers in chemistry labs and student-taught at Anthony Middle School in Manhattan. She graduated in December and expected to take some time off before getting a job.
“I didn’t think I’d get such a great opportunity to join such an incredible school right out of college, so I’m really excited about it,” Tillotson said.
Tillotson teaches two AP Physics 1 classes and three Chemistry classes at Free State. Though she has only been here for a few weeks, she feels welcome and loves the school so far.
Junior Khaury El-Amin works with science teacher Mattithyah Tillotson during his chemistry class. After Brad Simon passed away last December, Tillotson was chosen to replace him. El-Amin is glad that there is a replacement that is able to fulfill the standards set by Simon.
“I like that it’s kind of relaxed but at the same time academic, and [it has] incredible resources,” Tillotson said. “I’ve never seen a high school with the lab equipment and ability to do cool labs like this school has.”
Students like junior Daniel O’Neil, though saddened by the loss of Simon, enjoy Tillotson and her teaching style.
“Ms. Tillotson’s teaching is very hands-on,” O’Neil said. “She’s very knowledgeable.”
O’Neil plans on taking the Physics 1 AP test in May and said that while a new teacher may have a temporary effect on his learning, he does not believe it will affect his score on the test.
While West expected to find a teacher before spring semester began, he was not expecting to find someone so well qualified for the position.
“She’s fully qualified and certified as a high school teacher in Chemistry and Physics,” West said. “So she’s got a rare combination.”
