St. Norbert College education student Kaya Stropus is definitely appreciating her student teaching/observing experience with Spanish teacher Crystal Dory. 

Indeed, Stropus, who hails from the Chicago area, says she couldn’t have asked for a better placement. 

“My experience so far has been wonderful. Joining a new place can be intimidating, but with an amazing role model like Sra. Dory, I’ve been able to fit in easily,” she said. 

Since arriving, she’s discovered not only what it takes to be a great teacher, but also how rewarding the classroom can be. 

“I’ve learned so much about what it truly takes to be a teacher, and I’ve had a lot of fun sharing laughs and enjoying the energy of such positive, funny and hardworking students,” Stropus explained. 

Although her time at Notre Dame is part of her college program, she’s already thinking about the future, and she wouldn’t mind if that future included NDA. 

“Being able to come right out of college and work at NDA would probably be the best possible outcome,” she said. 

She sees Notre Dame as a school full of kindness and respect from both teachers and students. 

Set to graduate from St. Norbert in May 2026, she says she’s always known that teaching was her calling. 

“I’ve actually never wanted to do anything other than become a teacher,” shared  Stropus. 

All her jobs have involved teaching. 

She has been a babysitter, camp counselor, tutor, and nanny, but all these jobs led her to confirm her passion for teaching. 

“Even when I was little, I would play teacher with cousins and friends. I’ve always dreamed of having my own classroom,” she explained. 

Like most aspiring educators, Stropus has faced challenges along her journey. 

Connecting with students, especially after joining mid-semester, has been one of them. 

“Many of the students already have strong connections here, so my goal has been to find meaningful ways to engage and get to know them,” she said.

Throughout the process, one piece of advice has helped her stay grounded. 

“You are doing just fine” are the words she tells herself. 

Even when Stropus makes mistakes or things don’t work out, she has learned to accept mistakes are part of life and move on. 

By the end of the semester, she’ll have completed around 100 hours of student teaching, although her total hours throughout college will be more than double that. 

And with each hour, she is one step closer to achieving her lifelong dream to inspire students in her own classroom one day.