As summer came to an end, new students and rising freshmen weren’t the only ones looking forward to the 2018-2019 school year. Midlo’s Science Department welcomes four new teachers: Biology teachers Ms. Rachel Hill, Ms. Jordan Liesfeld, and Mr. Zachary Woodland, and Earth Science teacher Mr. Scott Burns.

Ms. Hill 

What did you do before you came to Midlothian High?

I was a middle school science teacher.

What motivated you to come to Midlo?

I wanted to join the community of excellence. I also wanted to work with high school students, so I can teach more science and help them understand.

How would you describe Midlo?

Respectful, everyone is very respectful. It’s hard to describe, but it’s fun and challenging.

What hobbies do you partake in outside of school?

I like to paint, read, watch football, hike, spend time with family, and cook.

What makes you different than other teachers?

I don’t like to take myself seriously. I like to be goofy.

Is there anything that has really stood out to you since you began your time here?

The student behavior in the hallways is amazing, and it makes it nice to move around in the halls. And I love all students.

Ms. Liesfeld

What did you do before you came to Midlothian High?

I attended Randolph-Macon.

What motivated you to come to Midlo?

I loved the division of Chesterfield County, and I really wanted to be involved in the school spirit.

How would you describe Midlo?

Everyone is high spirited, energetic, respectful, and all the kids seem awesome.

What hobbies do you partake in outside of school?

I love to sing, and in my free time, I like to do some crafts.

What makes you different than other teachers?

This is my first year teaching ever, and I’m going to try to make my class fun and more involved in activities.

Mr. Woolard

What did you do before you came to Midlothian High?

I managed a tech support contact center for an internet service provider.

What motivated you to come to Midlo?

I wanted to return to the greater Richmond area after completing graduate school at Liberty University. Most importantly, I wanted to partner with a supportive community of educators.

How would you describe Midlo?

The Midlo community is renowned for highly engaged students, supportive parents and families, and legendary school spirit.  

What hobbies do you partake in outside of school?

Board games, bird watching, and backpacking

What makes you different than other teachers?

I solve Rubik’s Cubes in under 90 seconds.

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

Teaching at Midlo is a bit of a homecoming for me; I served as a student pastor in the area during the mid-2000’s.

Is there anything that has really stood out to you since you began your time here?

I have been especially impressed by the camaraderie among the faculty and staff. The veteran teachers and administrators have been particularly welcoming to all of the new recruits.

Mr. Burns

Mr. Scot Burns hails from St. Michael’s in Richmond. He claims his life changing experiences to mostly originate from Tucson, Arizona and Horsham, Pennsylvania. He really enjoys freshmen and has taught 3rd grade, as well as 6th grade through freshman year of college. Mr. Burns teaches Earth Science and Honors Earth Science. For the past 12 years, he has worked as a landscape architect and is now returning to teaching. During his career in landscaping, he designed over 100 gardens, ranging from $5,000 to $3.2 million, varying in size from a courtyard to 4,000 acre wetland restoration. He still takes a client every once in a while.

Welcome to Midlo!