Older teachers reflect on lessons learned at Watkins Mill

English+teacher+Dave+Sampselle%2C+social+studies+teacher+Jim+Archer%2C+and+social+studies+teacher+Jim+Torrence

Luis Chavez

English teacher Dave Sampselle, social studies teacher Jim Archer, and social studies teacher Jim Torrence

Luis Chavez

Teaching is often described as not being glamorous. The pay isn’t that great, you have to show up early, and kids don’t always behave. However, Watkins Mill High School’s teachers often have fun working here.

The Mill has teachers who have been here for more than 20 years. Those experienced teachers have had the opportunity to see how Watkins Mill’s demographics have changed as well as the reputation.

“I believe that Watkins Mill is the best school in the county,” social studies teacher Jim Torrence said, “I wouldn’t want to teach anywhere else.” 

Torrence has been teaching here for about 20 years. He loves teaching where he lives and being able to teach in his own community. Torrence plans to teach for four more years until his official retirement.

“I honestly believe that we have the best social studies staff and we have great staff [at] Watkins Mill,” Torrence said.

Torrence originally came to Watkins Mill to coach basketball but his plans changed after realizing his love of teaching. He has seen Watkins Mill become more diverse and believes that the more places kids come from the stronger our school gets. 

“Nobody is perfect and everyone deserves a second chance, teachers included,” social studies teacher James Archer said.

Archer has been teaching at Watkins Mill since the school opened in 1989. Archer said he has learned to be more patient since then.

“You kind of learn everyone needs support somewhere, teachers included,” Archer said.

Archer needed a job at a school and Watkins Mill had the chance to add him to the staff.  Archer liked the idea that Watkins Mill was a brand new school and was excited about having new computers and having everything be fresh in a new school.

“Throughout the years my teaching career has been 94.6 percent enjoyable, fulfilling, exciting and memorable,” English teacher David Sampselle said.

Sampselle has been teaching at Watkins Mill since 1990 after teaching for 16 years at Gaithersburg High School. Sampselle has learned that nobody’s perfect and everyone deserves a second chance. He plans to retire this year.

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