Colfax’s two new math teachers now in class

The Colfax school district’s two new math teachers are a month into the school year, having filled the vacancies from the two teachers who resigned in late August.

Long-time Colfax substitute Carey Fulfs is teaching junior high math and Louisiana native Kenny McAllister is teaching high school math this year.

McAllister is teaching algebra and geometry at the high school. He and his wife moved here from Baton Rouge, La., after his wife was accepted into the WSU program for doctorate studies in neuro-psychology.

McAllister worked as a math teacher for five years in an inner-city school in Alexandria, La. Coming from the deep south to eastern Washington has been a cultural change, he said. His school district in Alexandria had close to 100 schools.

“Up here, it’s more farm life,” he said. “It’s small. You can work with the community.” He pointed out the smaller town will provide a better opportunity to work one on one with parents and other school staff members.

“Kenny McAllister has connected very well with our students and very well with our staff. He’s a great fit,” said Colfax High Principal Gary Weitz

The two math teachers fill vacancies left open by teachers who departed in late August.

Long-time Colfax math teacher Wendy Mandere and first-year math teacher Kyle Moore both took jobs in other areas of the state.