Former ceramics teacher and student favorite Jacquelynn Ryan left Rangeview High School this past school year upon a Denver Public School District offer. Shamaa Ruterbories, the new Rangeview ceramics teacher, experiences the difficulties of filling in Mrs. Ryan’s position. Mrs. Ruterbories came from Aurora Central High School, leaving students that she’s been with for several years.
Most students were expecting Mrs. Ryan to be teaching the 2024-2025 school year, so walking into class was a shock for them. There were many different opinions and views from students on this sudden change. Students in AP 3D Art shared a collective opinion that although they miss their former teacher, they are still looking forward to the pieces and projects they will be diving into this school year.
Current AP student, Teyla Holloway Powers said, “It’s just a different feel since we have a new teacher.”
Junior Lauren Forte said, “…I do miss my old teacher because I built a good connection with her.”
These two students had Mrs. Ryan for two consecutive years.
AP Art will be incorporating more than just clay this school year. They’ll also be working with felting, welding, and woodwork for their assignments. “It’s definitely new…” Junior Javier Barraza said, “I’ve never welded in my life.”
Danny Lawson, a student in ceramics, expressed, “She’s a good teacher and she instructs pretty well.”
Lawson stated he didn’t ask for the class to be on his schedule, but he is excited about what is to come.
Ruterbories explained, “I know I’m replacing a teacher that students had a good connection with.”
Ruterbories added that she has, “really big shoes to fill.”
Ceramics students have been adapting quite well to what Ruterbories is bringing to the table.
“I love how motivated they are to learn,” she stated as well.
“Getting used to being the art coordinator for DPS is weird,” Ryan said.
She is now in charge of all art teachers in 207 schools, writing and organizing the curriculum for Visual Arts for all grade levels is one of her many roles and responsibilities.
“I miss…the random high fives…I miss my advanced kids coming up to share the tea with me…I miss my AP kids and my advanced students deeply,” she passionately exclaimed.
The Rangeview student body welcomes Ms. Ruterbories to the Raider family, and are grateful for the impact Mrs. Ryan had on the Rangeview community wishing her the best of luck!
