This fall Southern Lehigh High School’s English department welcomed a brand new teacher, Mr. Joel Soto, replacing Mrs. Kelly Howsare, who retired in June. Located in Room 121, he teaches 9th and 11th grade English classes. 

Prior to becoming a teacher, Mr. Soto worked for many years as a server in a restaurant. He felt working in the food industry didn’t get him to where he wanted to be. 

“It wasn’t really fulfilling,” he said. “I sat back and thought about the things I want from life and what are the things I can contribute to life.”

Soon after, he began to realize that pursuing a career in teaching was just what he needed. 

Mr. Soto earned his Bachelor’s degree in education at Moravian University, and even completed part of his student teaching at Southern Lehigh. Following graduation, he worked in several temporary teaching positions, including a year teaching in Colombia as a Fulbright Scholar.

Now that Mr. Soto holds a full-time teaching position where he has more responsibility, he hopes to create strong connections with his students. 

“So far everyone has been very friendly to me, very welcoming,” he said. “It feels good to be here.”

Mr. Soto always puts his student’s needs before his own and creates standards that they can reach, if they put forth effort and hard work. He strives to not only help his students educationally, but also to help them become better people. 

“It’s not only about the grades,” he said, “but who you are outside of the classroom.” 

When he’s not inside the classroom, Mr. Soto enjoys going for runs, reading, watching movies, and hanging out with friends.