Some people have a good idea of what they want to do in their life, while others only know what they want to do for the next few years. For government and history teacher Marcus Obsy, knowing what he wanted to do for the next few weeks was his situation. Originally, he planned to substitute teach for two weeks, but then went on to become a permanent teacher in late September.

Osby was offered the position by principal Amy Boughton and associate principal Dr. Jacob Garlinger. Because Osby already had teaching experience, his superiors were happy to hire him. 

“He’s a great collaborator,” social studies department chair Travis Fitzgerald said. “I have an AP U.S. History class and an on level U.S. History class too. He would come in on Tuesdays and then we would plan, and I [wanted] to keep this guy around because he’s a great worker, he’s already here and he knows what he’s doing. So when Ms. Boughton [asked who I wanted], I [told her to] keep Osby.’”

Like many other teachers at Hebron, Obsy is a former Hebron student. However, a difference between him and others is that he is the first Black teacher in the history department in the past decade. 

“Being the first Black teacher in our history department … does bring a different dynamic,” Osby said. “I always get told that the kids react to me differently than they do their other teachers.”

Before coming to Hebron, Osby taught in Oklahoma and the D.C. area for a collective 10 years. He then decided to stop teaching and go into real estate. During his transition into the new career path, he decided to temporarily sub for around two weeks. 

“I taught 11th and 12th grade government and U.S. history for 10 years,” Osby said. “Outside of school, I joined the real estate game and that was why I was originally only going to [substitute] for a week or two.”

Osby is happy to have stuck with teaching, as he has made an impact on his students. 

“I think that he’s one of the best teachers that I’ve ever had,” senior Jasmine Mejia said. “He talks to me like I’m an adult, and with him, it’s an equal trade of respect between teacher and student. Also, he’s not only a big voice for other Black students, but also for minorities in general, because he doesn’t shy away from other [minorities] struggles.”