Mr. Koehler: Capturing Moments, Building Memories

Written By : Atasha Mazon

Mr. Koehler has spent years helping students develop their photography skills and create the yearbook, bringing both creativity and patience to Room B4. With 27 years of teaching photography, his passion for the subject continues to show through both his lessons and his projects.

Before stepping into the classroom, Mr. Koehler worked as a photographer. “I got my credential while I was already teaching,” he said. “So I was doing both at the same time.” That same balance shows in his classes today, where he works to keep students engaged with hands-on, relevant assignments.

In photography, students learn technical skills that apply to real-world work. In yearbook, they’re responsible for building something the whole school will see—something that represents the year and its memories. “We’re making a beautiful book that we hope everybody’s going to love,” Mr. Koehler said.

But it’s not always easy. Deadlines, time management, and collaboration can be tough, especially when gathering quotes and content from students and staff who may not always respond right away. “It’s not just taking and placing pictures—it’s tracking people down, getting quotes, and collecting content, which can be tough,” he explained.

Despite the challenges, Mr. Koehler keeps his classes running by helping students find their strengths. He believes in matching students with roles that fit their interests and skills, whether that’s editing, photography, or layout. “I think it’s important to recognize what students are good at and how they think, so they don’t feel like they’re just kids,” Mr. Koehler said.

Estrella Ramirez, a current yearbook editor, said that how Mr. Koehler connects with students depends on them. “How he builds relationships with students is depending on the student approaching you because there’s students that actually want to be engaged and there’s some students who are not, so I feel like it’s more of the students participating with him because he’s a responsive teacher which keeps students engaged, and make them wanna learn more about him.”

He also sees yearbook as more than just a class—it helps shape the school’s culture and identity. His advice to new teachers is to trust student voices and value their ideas. “In the yearbook, I treat the editors as equals,” he said. “They have great ideas, sometimes better than mine.”

For Mr. Koehler, the most rewarding part of teaching is watching students create work they’re proud of. “When the work turns out great, and especially when students make something they’re proud of, that’s the best part,” he said.

His goal for now? “Honestly, just surviving the yearbook in the next few weeks. That’s my main focus right now.”

Most people might not know that Mr. Koehler recently passed his Red Cross lifeguarding certification—just another unexpected skill he adds to the list.