Although it’s only January, students at Oxford High School had to say goodbye to English teacher Jeremy Koch last week as he embarked on a new career.
Koch has taught English for five and a half years at OHS after teaching English and psychology for Alpena Public Schools.
Being a teacher seemed to be in his blood.
‘My mom was a teacher, I always enjoyed school,? the Lake Orion resident said.
After getting his undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan University in English and psychology he interned at OHS before becoming an official staff member.
Now, Koch will be leaving his English threads behind to pursue a career as a school psychologist to finish his graduate degree requirements.
‘I just basically have to move along and go somewhere else where there was an opening to do the job that I’ve been trained for,? he said.
Another reason Koch chose the psychology route is because he’ll be able to spend more time with his wife and two young children.
‘Being an English teacher’it’s demanding on your time outside of school and being a psychologist is as well, but it’s not every weekend grading papers,? Koch said.
Yesterday, Koch started as a school psychologist for the Jackson County Intermediate School District, but he made sure he didn’t leave OHS before ‘finishing out the semester with the kids.?
‘I’m gonna really miss the face-to-face interaction with the students,? he said. ‘I’m going to miss teaching in general.?
OHS principal Mike Schweig said Koch will be missed by everyone at the school, but that they realize the move is an ‘opportunity for him to achieve a goal he has set for himself.?
‘Jeremy is a very talented professional, efficient, intelligent and personable (teacher) with a deep commitment to his students, curriculum and his profession,? Schweig commented.
Koch said numerous students have given him nice ‘parting gifts? and wrote kind notes on the blackboard which will only make him miss his job more.
But don’t be surprised if Koch decides to start teaching again. He plans on keeping his teaching certificate current and possibly teaching summer school or community college classes in Jackson.
Koch will also miss his colleagues and the faculty at OHS because they’ve had a ‘close-knit bond.?
He’d like to thank OHS for ‘working with me through my course of graduate study? and for being understanding of his resignation.
‘It was not an easy decision to leave, he said. ‘However, to move on in the career path that I’ve chosen it was a necessary evil.?