Interviewed by: Hailey Van Wormer

Where are you from? I am from Clear Lake, S.D.

Where did you graduate from college?
I went to Harmony Hill, Mount Marty. My degree is BA in Education.

How many years have you been teaching at Deuel School?
I have been teaching at Deuel School for 23 years.

Have you always wanted to be a teacher growing up?
No, I couldn’t wait to get out of school and didn’t plan on ever going into a school again, now I love coming to school.

What is your favorite classroom activity?
My favorite classroom activity is watching the students discover something new, whether it is at the board or doing an experiment for science.

Why did you decide to teach elementary kids?
I spent a lot of time volunteering in my kids’ classrooms and decided I loved it so much, I went back to school to become a teacher.

What is your favorite part about teaching elementary kids?
My favorite part about teaching elementary kids is watching them discover something new or when they realize they know something.

What is the worst thing about teaching elementary kids?
The worse thing about teaching elementary kids is when I can’t get the student to realize how great they are and how important learning is.

If you can choose to teach a different grade, what grade would you choose?
I think teaching all grades has great advantages, I just love being a teacher at all levels.

What is your favorite Deuel School sport and why?
I don’t have a favorite. I do enjoy watching my fellow student participate in different sports.

Do you have a favorite subject that you teach, if so what is it and why?
My favorite subjects to teach are math and science because they are both hands-on and have many different activities that go with teaching them.

Interviewed by: Isabelle DeBoer

What college did you graduate from?
I graduated college from Southwest Minnesota State University.

What is your degree in? What are your majors/minors?   
I have a degree in Elementary Education: Social Science Grades 5-8

Where are you from?
My hometown is Tracy, MN.

How many years have you taught?
I have been teaching for 19 years. 10 years in the Sioux Falls School District and 9 years at Deuel. 

What is your position in school?
5th Grade Social Studies / English Language Arts Teacher

Do you do any extracurricular and if so, what is it?
Head Boys' Basketball, Assistant Track, and Jr. High Football Coach.

How do you remember all of your students' names?
I remember my students' names by making connections and building relationships. 

What is your favorite unit/lesson you teach?
Our project base activities of career builder and business start-up.

Do you have any traditions for the first day of school? What are they?
We do celebrations and connections every Monday morning when we start the week.  It’s a great way to connect and celebrate as a classroom.

How would you handle a situation with a bully and another student?
I would address the situation right away, reminding them that caring and respecting are our two main pillars in the classroom.

What will you do to adjust to a student’s unique strengths and weaknesses?
Every student learns differently and as a teacher I want to teach to their needs the best that I can.

Is there extra help for students who need it?
Absolutely, we are here to help beyond the regular classroom hours. We have a flexible schedule to accommodate our learners. Some of these opportunities are Friday’s staff and student days, emailing us, and coming in after school.