December Spotlight Teacher Feature of the Month

December Teacher Feature: Casey Kroulik, Social Studies Teacher, Head Football and Head Track & Field Coach

“Instruction does much, but encouragement does everything.” 

~Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Casey Kroulik is in his eleventh year of teaching high school social studies here at Clearbrook-Gonvick.  He has spent all eleven years as head Football coach and has been the head Track and Field coach for the last four seasons.  He lives in the area with his wife, Tiffany and three sons: Carver (8), Bryar (5), and Tyson (1)

Kroulik grew up in Stephen, Minnesota. He graduated from Stephen High School in 1994. He attended University of North Dakota where he played collegiate football and received his Master of Education in Social Studies.

Why did you choose to be a teacher? Teaching is in my blood.  My father, grandfather, two uncles, and brother are all teachers.  My mom also worked with kids, running a daycare at our home for many years.  These were all people I looked up to so it seemed like a good fit for me. 

What did you do before coming to Clearbrook-Gonvick? I have taught at a number of schools before coming to C-G.  I have taught at Warren, Pillager, and McGregor before finally settling in at C-G. 

What is the best part of your job at Clearbrook-Gonvick? Getting to work with the students.  The best part of working at CG is the staff and the students.  I have worked at a number of different places and I really believe that this staff is filled with great, caring, hard working people. And the student body is filled with so many good hearted, caring young men and women as well.  They make coming to work fun each day. 

What is the biggest challenge of your job? Paperwork.  Filling out this document on information about myself has been the most difficult thing I’ve had to do in a while!

If you could have any job in the world - what would it be? I would be a teacher and a coach.  I love what I do.  I truly believe that if you can not answer this question by saying the job that you already have, then you need to find a new job!  Why would you not do what you love to do? 

What do you do when you are not at school teaching? I love to spend time with my family.

What are your favorite aspects of the Clearbrook-Gonvick community? The Clearbrook-Gonvick community has been very good to my family. They are welcoming and supportive.  We knew right away that this was a place that we wanted to raise our family. 

And now a word (or two) about Mr. Kroulik  from some of his students…

What do you think Mr. Kroulik does when he is not here at school? “He is probably taking care if his kids if they are sick or doing some football stuff.” “Playing with his boys.” “He is with his family.” “Thinking about football so we can go to state.” “He spends time with his family.” “Watching football and spending time with his kids.” “Watches football.”

What do you think Mr. Kroulik was like as a high schooler? “He probably was one of the top football players and he was probably popular.” “Respectful and a really good athlete.” “Trouble kid.” “Hard worker when it comes to school.” “He was a hard worker.” “Straight up NERD.” “Acted like a little kid.” “He was that one kid that knew everything about Star Wars.”

What is the best thing about Mr. Kroulik? “That he teaches Geography because I like him as a teacher and love geography!” “He is absolutely sarcastic but also very caring.” “Family comes first.” “Always has a good attitude, never puts anyone down, and always looks out for others before himself.” “He is a good football coach.” “He can be serious but then crack you up with a joke.” “His tests are easy.” “He doesn’t take crap from anyone.”

What job do you think Mr. Kroulik would be if he was not a teacher?  “A football coach because that is all I can see him doing.” “A full time football coach.” “Football coach” “College football coach.” “He would be a painter.” “A professional football coach.” “Body builder” “General manager for a sports team.”

Which Buffalo Wild Wings sauce best describes Mr. Kroulik? “Blazin’ because he is always cruising in the morning.” “He would be mild sauce.  He is classy with a little bit of sweet.” “Medium because you never know what you are going to get.” “Inferno sauce because he is hardcore.” “Blazin’ because he’s got an intense personality.”  “Sweet and spicy” “Parmesan-garlic because it is his favorite.” 

What is one thing Mr. Kroulik ALWAYS says? “Woooow!”  “This is sweet.” “Why would you even think that?” “Don’t be dumb.” “A true measure of a man is what he does when no one is around.” “NDSU sucks.” “I will wait until you are done talking.” “On the line.” “Are you serious?”