This January, De Soto High School welcomed a new staff member, Bennett Ratzloff. Ratzloff will be serving as a long-term sub for Katie Arbuckle while she is on maternity leave. Ratzloff will be teaching her World Geography classes.

“World geography is so enjoyable to teach because I love studying about people and cultures other than my own. I love that students can experience human and physical geography at such an extreme rate and share those experiences,” Ratzloff said. 

Another reason for Ratzloff’s excitement is the fact that he gets the opportunity to teach at DHS in particular.

“I am very excited to be substituting [at DHS],” Ratzloff said. “On a daily basis, I see students display the school’s core values of integrity, inquiry, communication, perseverance and reflection. The culture that has been created here is second to none.” 

As for the students, they are equally happy to have Ratzloff as a teacher. Freshman Nevaeh Bartlett enjoys being a part of Ratzloff’s class.

“His class has a lot of fun work and he gives us Tootsie Rolls. Overall, he is a really nice teacher,” Bartlett said. 

Aside from being involved at DHS through a teaching aspect, Ratzloff also helps coach the DHS baseball team. This upcoming season will mark his fifth year as a baseball coach. 

As for his interests outside of school, Ratzloff enjoys playing golf, reading and watching The Office reruns.