The start of the new school year at De Soto High School means not only new students, but new teachers. One of the new staff members is AP European History and World Geography teacher Katherine Wilber.

This is Wilber’s third year teaching. She taught sixth graders at Monticello Trails Middle School the last two years.

“Teaching in high school is a lot of fun  I really enjoy getting to put more on the students and have those deeper conversations … I really enjoyed the sixth graders, but I couldn’t be happier to be here,” Wilber said.

The administration is impressed with Wilber’s teaching.

“Something really impressive about Ms. Wilber is her energy and enthusiasm for building relationships. She really enjoys people,” Principal Dustin Mortenson said.

When she isn’t teaching, Wilber is the assistant coach for cross country and the co-head coach for track.

“I love coaching. The kids are awesome, and we have a lot of fun. It’s just a good time to go out and blow off some steam, Wilber said.

In her free time, Wilber likes to listen to country music, spend time with her family, and she also has several hobbies that many students will identify with.

“I watch a lot of TV, current shows are Law and Order SVU marathons on the couch,” Wilber said. “And I love Chipotle.”

Wilber is teaching AP European History, and this is the first year it is being offered at DHS. The class is being offered to “better prepare students,” Mortenson said.

“The most challenging part of the class is the pace of it, because we’re going to be expected to cover a ton over such a short period of time,” Wilber said.

Students have been enjoying learning in Wilber’s class.

“It’s my first AP class,” said sophomore Lina Altahhan, a student in AP European History. “I think it will be good for us to learn together.”

“Class is easy to understand, but the work isn’t easy to do. She gives you a chance to get done what you need to get done,” said freshman Connor Young, a World Geography student.

Despite the difficult curriculum, Wilber wants her classroom to have a friendly atmosphere. “I hope everybody comes and hangs out, shoots some baskets on the door,” Wilber said.