One of the most popular and respected teachers at NDA is Mr. Scott Mallien.  He not only teaches social studies but also coaches football, basketball and track.  Learn a little more about this inspirational teacher from the Q & A session that follows.

Q: Where did you go to high school and college?
A:  Preble High School & UW-Green Bay & St. Norbert.

Q:  What led you to become a teacher?
A:  I was working as a paraprofessional at Washington Middle School, and the principal, Mr. Jack Washington, (he has since passed away) called me into his office and asked why I was not a teacher.  He told me he had seen me with students and felt I had the qualities necessary to be a very good teacher.  He saw something in me that I did not see in myself; to this I owe him my debt of gratitude.

Q: You went to Wausau a year ago as a head football coach.  What brought you back to NDA?
A: It was a very difficult decision to leave NDA.  Although I worked with some wonderful people and students, my job in Wausau was not working from a family perspective. When the opportunity to return to NDA presented itself, there was no hesitation at all, and so I accepted the offer to return.  It was the best decision for my family and myself.

Q: Which do you prefer–the classroom or coaching?
A: I think they both work together.  In both I get to do the things that I love, social studies and coaching.  I have always considered myself a person who is a teacher first and then a coach

Q: What advice do you try to give your students and players about life?
A: I have three things: 1) Have a balance in your life with all the things you do.  2) Keep things in perspective by putting the most important parts of your life first: Faith-Family/Friends-Yourself. 3) Do not be defined by what you do as a profession; it is who you are that is the most important quality to possess.