Lori Schwendeman, science. “I think the coolest part [about teaching] is seeing a student get excited about something that they learn, and then they get excited after they connect what they learn to something that they have learned in the past. The a-ha moment is the best part of teaching.”

Staci Stech, English. “I teach because I love learning and I love learning in school, even though in a lot of ways I didn’t like high school that much, so I kind of want to make it better for other people. I continue to teach because I love what we do together everyday.”

Adam Woody, social studies. “I started teaching because I wanted to make a difference. I liked kids and, for the most part, I still do. Having a class with a good personality is the best part of the job- when we have fun, when we laugh, when we joke around. I like the classes with kids who care and aren’t afraid to have a conversation with you.”

Drew Parliment, science. “My favorite part about teaching is getting to know students. What they’re like, where they’re at, that sort of thing. Even if it’s not necessarily in science, just what they like to do and who they are.”

Aaron Modert, social studies. “I enjoy interacting with people who have an interest in what I do, like history or government. And I like seeing them making connections with current events and igniting a passion for those things in students.”

Lucas Kruse, math. “I teach because of my students. There is no other job in the world where your clientele changes from year to year or even semester to semester. Even when you turd-head kids it’s still fantastic. It’s all aspects, how every day is so different from the next.”

Elena Paich, English. “I teach because I love to give back to a community that has given so much to me. I’ve always had a passion for helping and educating kids. I’ve known I’ve never wanted to feel bad about coming to work and I’ve never felt that here.”

Brian Wood, math. “I teach because I like hanging out with high school students and having an effect on their lives. I feel like it keeps me young. I like Calculus because sometimes it’s the first time any of these students have ever struggled and I like being the one who helps them get through it.”

Doug Schafer, learning specialist. “I like teaching because I like the community field and the staff of teachers I work with. We all work together to collaborate our ideas for what will help our students. I like the kids I work with because they are energetic and excited to learn and want to push themselves to be better.”