Hugh Epton replaced History teacher Josina Dunkel as the current Advanced Placement (AP) European History teacher on Friday, February 29. Dunkel, who was the only AP European History teacher, is currently on maternity leave.

Epton teaches AP World History and AP Government in California. There, classes are held throughout the year to prevent overcrowding. There are three groups of teachers and two teach while the third group has two months off.

Epton has been a substitute teacher at Stuyvesant for the past five years, teaching during his months off. This year, the need for a replacement coincided with Epton’s break. In April, Epton will return to California and Dunkel is expected to return to Stuyvesant after spring break.

Spring semester grades will be calculated based on a student’s performance in both Epton and Dunkel’s classes.

Dunkel’s leave is not expected to affect her student’s performance on the May AP examination. Assistant Principal Social Studies Jennifer Suri is confident in Epton’s ability to prepare the students. “He is very qualified,” she said. “I’m not concerned about the AP tests.”

“I teach AP World History and AP Government, so I will be able to teach the class,” Epton said.

AP European History students are happy with Epton. “He knows the material and explains [it] really well,” sophomore Owen Duffy said.