By Ron Eland Boulder City Review

August 28, 2026 - 8:30 am

In the blink of an eye, summer vacation for students and faculty from Boulder City’s five public schools was over and school was back in session.

Earlier this month, the new teachers were finishing up their first few days of school and answered the same question asked of them by the Review: “How do you feel about being a new teacher at…?”

The following are their answers:

Boulder City High School

Courtney Essman (art): “I’m very excited. I feel like I’m going to fulfill my purpose here at Boulder City High School.”

Analisa Kimball (math): “I’m amazed with how different of an experience this has been already. I feel like a new teacher again. I’m learning about the new norms and the traditions on this campus and I’m really excited to be part of it while earning my keep here.”

Garrett Junior High

Barbara Bannister (math): “I feel very lucky to be teaching here. It’s a small, supportive community with a lot of veteran teachers and I’m happy to be part of the school.”

Tania Carlson (English): “I’m very excited to be here. It’s a great community and I’m very proud to be part of it.”

Alexis Bryant (English): “I love being part of the community because my daughter got into kindergarten at Mitchell. Just being part of the community and feeling very welcomed has been fantastic.”

Amber Barkley (registrar): “I’m honored to be part of the Garrett Junior High family. I’m looking forward to meeting the students and their families and help them out the best I can.”

Martha P. King Elementary

Alex Hall (P.E.): “It’s a good opportunity for me to get to know the community and learn what the town is like. I already know a lot of people here, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Alyssa Bryant (fourth grade): “I’m very grateful to be a new teacher here because I grew up in Boulder City and I love it here. I went to King and graduated from Boulder City High School. Plus, I did my student teaching here, so it’s like coming home.”

Andrew J. Mitchell Elementary

Bonny Fikri (music): “I love the idea of teaching at a school that I also went to as a child, as did my own children.”

Amber Fisher (primary autism): “I subbed here a lot last year and as a licensed teacher I was holding out until I could make Mitchell my home.”

Amy Ayoub Academy of Hope

Brandy Bryan (special education): “I’m excited. It’s a different opportunity and I’m excited to meet the girls. I have 20 years in the district but this is something very new for me and will be very exciting. I look forward to seeing their growth and for their success during the school year.”