Danielle Zittel, Long-Term Substitute Teacher (6th Grade) at Clearbrook-Gonvick

Interview Questions, 

Tell us about yourself and your background- where did you grow up, what schools did you attend, who is in your family? 

I grew up just south of St. Paul in the city of Cottage Grove. I attended and graduated from East Ridge High school in Woodbury, Minnesota in 2013. I then attended Inver Hills Community College. Two years later I transferred to Concordia, St. Paul where I graduated with my Bachelor of arts in Elementary Education as well as an endorsement in Early Childhood Education. I would have not made it through school without my very supportive parents (Patrick and Tracy Zittel). I am a middle child. I have an older brother and younger sister. After graduating from college, I decided to uproot and leave my family and move to Clearbrook, Minnesota to .ive with my grandmother (Mary Pond); to pursue my career in a smaller town. 

Besides teaching, have you had any other jobs? 

I spent a lot of summers and weekends throughout high school as a nanny. However, I eventually ended up working at Walmart and have been with the company for five years. It was only supposed to be a temporary job to get me through school. However, I have stuck around because they have done a fantastic job of working with my crazy schedule going through school and working as a substitute teacher. When I was in college I also spent a year as a Children’s’ Minister Associate in my focal church in Cottage Grove. As much as I loved that job I parted ways to make sure I was fully focused on school and one job. I went with my job with Walmart because it allowed for more schedule flexibility. Another job that I picked up for a few summers was working for kids club in my local school districts down in Cottage Grove. I absolutely loved working for Kids Club and would probably still be doing it had I not made the choice to move away. 

Why did you choose teaching as a profession? 

I choose to become a teacher because I have always had a passion for working with children. I have been involved in many volunteer opportunities most of which involved working with children. I have known that I have wanted to be a teacher since I was very young. No other career path has ever crossed my mind. 

Have any of your own teachers been especially influential or inspiring? 

When thinking about teachers that have inspired me two teachers come to mind. First was my kindergarten teacher. Not only was she my kindergarten teacher but I actually had the opportunity to work with her in high school and college for some education classes. She has always been one of my favorite teachers. Somebody who I aspire to be like when it comes to teaching. Her passion for teaching always shined through in each thing she taught. She cares deeply about each of her students and remembers every one. When I came back to her classroom in high school she knew exactly who I was and could still tell me different stories from when I was in kindergarten. She really got to know each of her students and strived to build that trust with each one. 

The other teacher that comes to mind taught me to never give up on myself. I was a student that really struggled in math. However, I was just passed from grade to grade and never got the help that I truly needed in math. This math teacher didn’t give up on me even when I had given up on myself. He helped bring back my confidence when it comes to math. He pushed me to be my best. I went from getting really low grades in math to earning all /\s because he had given me the time, patience, and commitment that I needed. This is something I want to give my students. I want them to believe in themselves and try their best. 

What did you like most about school when you were a student? What were your favorite classes or activities? 

When I was in school I really liked band. I played clarinet I enjoyed band itself, as well as pep band, and marching band. I played in band from fifth grade through 10th grade. I also liked getting involved in many volunteer programs around the school and community. 

What has been most challenging about your new position? 

The most challenging thing about my new position is watching the transition for the 6th graders. I am coming in as a new teacher at the end of the school year and that is a struggle for the students that need consistency. They have adapted pretty well though. 

What has been most rewarding? 

The most rewarding thing about my job so far has been working with such a great group of students. They all work really hard and have been a pleasure to teach. 

What do you especially enjoy about teaching 6th graders? 

The thing I really enjoy about teaching 6th graders is getting to know each one and their personalities. The students all have unique personalities and they always have stories to share making the days really enjoyable. They also are at the age where they like to take initiative of things which makes for some very fun learning. 

What do you like to do when you are not teaching? 

When I am not teaching I like to spend time with my family. I also really enjoy spending time outside with my german shepherd and husky. 

What do you like the best about the Clearbrook-Gonvick school? 

Clearbrook-Gonvick school has an great community. I have had amazing support from the staff and other teachers, and they have all been very welcoming. I also like the small school setting. It makes it easier to get to know the students in the school.