Taft Union High School has hired two new teachers from Bakersfield: science teacher Nathan Usrey, a 1992 TUHS graduate; and, math teacher Stacey Clason.
“It’s really good to be home. I had always hoped there would be an opportunity here. I love it. It’s a family atmosphere with a professional attitude,” Usrey said. He joins his younger brother, 1995 TUHS grad John Usrey, on the staff. Nathan, 35, said he hopes to coach with John, the head swim coach, in the spring. Nathan is coaching the girls JV tennis team this fall.
Nathan said a highlight of his time as a student at Taft was being on the swim team that went undefeated all four years in the South Sequoia League. He helped carry on a 14-year, undefeated streak.
The Bakersfield native earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in theology at Life Pacific University in San Dimas and his Masters of Education and his MBA through the University of Phoenix. He worked at Valley High School in Bakersfield for five years, then Highland High for three years and then Independence High last year. He has also coached the Science Bowl team, swimming, football and golf.
His wife Carey, and he have two sons, Brett, 10, and Brian, 6, who attend Endeavor Elementary School.
Working at Taft High is also proving to be a dream come true for Clason. “It’s a dream. It’s like working in paradise,” she praised. “The small community feel and the support of everybody. I fell welcomed. It is a fun place to come to work.”
The single 29-year-old was born on Vandenberg Air Force Base. She graduated from Centennial High School where she was active in the choir and the Interact service club. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies at California State University, Bakersfield, and her multiple subject teaching credential, her single subject teaching credential in math and her Master’s of Education through the University of La Verne.
She taught seventh grade math at Rosedale Middle School for three years and then eighth grade math at Thompson Junior High for the past four years. She enjoys traveling to the coast or lakes and quilting.
Several teachers moved between Taft High and Buena Vista Continuation High School. English teacher Jacque White moved to BV full-time while Jeff Hughes and English teacher Stacy Lackey moved to Taft High. Hughes teaches P.E., science, computers, and health. Also, Rosemary Day moved from the Westside Independent Study High School program to Taft High. Day teaches Spanish and Bridge tutorial.