New Teaching Talent - Wes Andrews

With one Andrews coming to Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula got a four-for-one deal. When Wes Andrews’ sister, Bethany, told him she was applying for a six-grade teaching position at Redoubt Elementary School in Soldotna, Wes decided to apply for a counseling position at Skyview High School so the siblings could stay close together. Both Wes and Bethany got the jobs and made a five-day drive from Idaho to the Kenai Peninsula together with their fiancés, who both now work at Mountain View Elementary School. “We are thrilled with how well things have gone so far,” Wes said.

Wes’s father grew up in Kodiak, and his parents own a cabin near the Kupreanoff Straits that they visit every summer. He comes to the peninsula with a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English with a teaching emphasis from the University of Idaho, a master’s of education degree in school counseling from Washington State University, and a school counseling certificate. During his graduate studies, Wes worked as a consultant and administrator for the Washington State University Writing Program, a freshman English instructor at the University of Idaho and a teaching and counseling intern at several secondary schools.

“The unpredictable nature of school counseling is very exciting to me, and I love having the opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives,” Wes said.

Skyview High School has proven to been a happy new home. “The staff promotes an easygoing atmosphere while maintaining high expectations for students. I can honestly say that I enjoy going to work every day,” he said.

Wes and his fiancée, Jessica, plan to be married July 4. He enjoys writing, playing board games and going to concerts, recently joined a bowling league for the first time and is seeking new adventures. “I am willing to try any ‘Alaskan’ activity, such as ice fishing, snowmachining, dog-sledding and snowboarding — at least once. Just let me know!”