New science teacher at JES

Justin Ikehara

There is a new face walking the halls of Jennings Elementary this year. Justin Ikehara of Reardan is the new science teacher for the middle school.

Ikehara will teach all the science classes to Colfax sixth, seventh and eighth graders.

Ikehara comes to Colfax from Federal Way after spending a year at the high school there teaching technical science to all grades. He was among 10 teachers who were cut at Federal Way in the wake budget cutbacks in the big district feels fortunate to be able to continue his career in Colfax.

“I love the small-town atmosphere,” he said.

Ikehara grew up on the mid-Pacific island of Guam and left in 1997 for college. He has relatives in Eastern Washington.

He still maintains he is undaunted by the unforgiving winter weather of the Northwest.

“Being a science geek, I’m constantly checking satellite images,” Ikehara said. “Especially since I’m teaching a weather unit [this year].”

He went to Eastern Washington University for two years, and met his wife, Linda, there. Together, they transferred to Washington State University where he finished his degree in criminal science.

He spent the next two years at EWU to get his teaching certificate in social studies, history, and science and graduated in 2005.

After his stint at Federal Way came to a close last year, Ikehara said he very nearly went back into the criminal justice field. He came close to applying to the Washington State Patrol, but changed his mind after considering their training session takes seven months.

Now working as a teacher again, Ikehara said his favorite part of the job is that “aha” moment.

“It’s that ‘aha!’ moment that makes it worth it,” he said. “When the light switches on and the student gets what it means. You know it is going to be with them, not just 40 minutes, but 40 years.”

Ikehara said the commute from Reardan is about an hour and ten minutes one way, but he has so far not minded the drive.

“It’s relaxing ‘me’ time,” he said.

Kyle Moore

Gonzaga grad to teach CHS math

Colfax school district’s first day of school Wednesday was also Kyle Moore’s first day as a full-time teacher.

Moore, 23, of Walla Walla, is stepping in as Colfax High School’s newest math teacher.

“It feels great- some nerves,” Moore said in an interview in his classroom Aug. 31.

Moore graduated from Gonzaga last December with a teaching degree specializing in math. Moore has been substituting since he graduated.

He spent the last few weeks of summer rearranging his Colfax apartment and learning the ropes at school.

Moore grew up in Dayton, but moved to Walla Walla when he was a sophomore in high school. He graduated from DeSales high school in 2004. His father, Rob Moore, currently teaches business at Dayton High School.

He said he’s been looking for permanent work since his college graduation, but jobs were tough to find in the Spokane and Seattle districts because of the economy-related layoffs.

When he saw Colfax was hiring, he knew they had a strong athletics program and applied.

Moore completed his student teaching at Shadle Park High School in Spokane with teacher Dave Wagenblast.

While at Gonzaga, Moore said he had his hand in any sport on campus, particularly basketball. And he was crazy about the Gonzaga home games.

Moore describes his teaching style as “engaging and open.” As far as goals for the school year are concerned, he said he is looking forward to working and earning the respect of his students and co-workers this year.