Michael Weller, the long-standing journalism adviser at Mountain View High School, is stepping down after 15 years at the helm of The Viking Scroll. Under his guidance, the student-run newspaper developed a reputation for quality journalism, addressing important issues and creating a supportive community. As Weller transitions to focus on his role as the social science chair, Scott Bier, an experienced educator, and current yearbook adviser, will take over the publication, bringing fresh ideas and new directions to the program.
Michael Weller: A Journey Into Journalism Education
Weller’s path to journalism education was somewhat accidental. He began his teaching career in 2001 as a middle school English teacher in Los Angeles and later moved to San Diego in 2005 to be closer to his family. During an interview for an English teaching position, he discovered that the job also included a yearbook class, something he was initially hesitant about but accepted for the job opportunity.
“I didn’t really want to teach a new class, but I wanted the job,” Weller recalled. “That job in San Diego was not really a good time for me for a number of reasons, but it turned out the best part of it was the Yearbook period! I loved working with kids on a project that we were all deeply interested in.”
When his grandfather passed away, Weller returned to Los Angeles, seeking a teaching position that would suit his interests. Mountain View High School provided the perfect opportunity—a job that allowed him to teach both English and journalism. Weller joined the school in 2007, taking over from the previous adviser, Doug Pursley, and has since built a lasting legacy with The Viking Scroll.
Memorable Achievements and Impact
During Weller’s tenure, The Viking Scroll has tackled various significant issues affecting the Mountain View community. From editorials on dating violence and menstruation stigma to investigative pieces on the Rosemead abuse scandal, the publication pushed boundaries while focusing on local issues.
“We’ve written obituaries for Viking students and staff who have passed away,” Weller shared. “This was always difficult, of course, but it was moving to hear from the families that reading about their loved ones in the paper gave them some comfort in their grief.”
Weller also highlighted the resilience of his staff during the challenging 2020-21 school year when they produced digital issues amidst the global pandemic. Despite the challenges of remote learning, the team managed to maintain a strong sense of community and support for each other.
“In the past few years, returning to school from the height of the pandemic, the staff has taught me a lot about balancing work and wellness,” he reflected. “We produced fewer issues than before the pandemic, but I think we built a healthy space where we supported each other through everyday stress as well as life-changing events, like sickness and death in our families.”
Time for New Leadership
Weller’s decision to step down comes as he embraces his role as the social science chair, recognizing the need to balance his responsibilities effectively. He expressed a desire to let new leadership take The Scroll in fresh directions.
“I became social science chair in 2021-22, and I realized this year that I couldn’t be an effective chair and an effective journalism adviser at the same time,” Weller explained. “I also think that after 15 years as adviser, it may be time to step aside and let someone else with new ideas have an opportunity to move The Scroll forward.”
Scott Bier: Bringing Innovation to The Viking Scroll
Stepping into the role of adviser is Scott Bier, who has been part of the Mountain View High School community since 2004. With over ten years of experience as the yearbook adviser, Bier brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the journalism program. Additionally, he serves as the school’s Theatre Director and teaches Theatre Stage Tech.
“I’m excited to take on this new challenge,” Bier said. “I’ve enjoyed my time as the yearbook adviser and am looking forward to bringing some of that experience to The Viking Scroll.”
A New Vision for The Viking Scroll
Bier plans to implement several innovative changes aimed at modernizing the school’s newspaper. Under his leadership, The Viking Scroll will shift to an online-only format, complete with a mobile app to make content more accessible to students and the wider school community.
“We are shifting to an online-only newspaper that will include a mobile app,” Bier announced. “This will allow us to reach our audience more effectively and engage with them in new ways.”
In addition to this digital transformation, Bier aims to collaborate closely with the VISTA News Crew, Mountain View’s video production academy. This partnership intends to bring more dynamic and timely school news to the campus, offering students a comprehensive multimedia journalism experience.
“We are also going to work with the VISTA News Crew to bring more school news to the campus,” Bier added. “It’s an exciting time for the program, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
Looking Back and Moving Forward
As Michael Weller steps down, he reflects fondly on his time at Mountain View High School and the community he has helped build over the years. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to quality journalism and a dedication to fostering a supportive environment for students.
“I am very grateful for the time I have spent as Scroll adviser, especially for the community we built over the years,” Weller said.
With Scott Bier taking over, The Viking Scroll is poised to enter a new era of innovation and engagement. Students and staff alike are eager to see how the publication will evolve under Bier’s leadership, building on Weller’s legacy while embracing new opportunities.
