As the school year gears into the midpoint of the third quarter, NDA teachers are preparing for the homestretch of the year. From grading assignments to adjusting for the weather, NDA teachers do many things that students take for granted. Some might ask: is it worth it? I asked Notre Dame Academy veteran Mrs. Katie Stanczak and second-year teacher Ms. Kayla Robbins what it means to teach at Notre Dame.

Mrs. Stanczak

What’s the one thing you want your students to take from your class? A love of God, an enriched understanding of the Church, and a love for their community to make the world a better place.

What is the best thing about being a teacher? The energy, curiosity, and incredible talents of our community. It is just a joy to be able to be a small part of the larger community and the growth and development of so many wonderful young adults at NDA.

Why did you become a teacher? I love helping others and sharing in academic efforts to further advance a passion for learning.

Why do you teach here and not at a public school? As an alumnus of NDA, having the opportunity to work here is an honor. In many ways, it feels like coming home. I love the Catholic and servant-hearted opportunities that also encourage me to continue to participate in our shared community.

Ms. Robbins

What’s the one thing you want your students to take from your class? The one thing I want my students to take from my class is the importance of empathy. I encourage students to embrace challenging conversations and topics; to analyze difficult situations with a diverse perspective; to see outside the walls of their school, their home, their “world,” and “walk in the shoes of a stranger” to build understanding and empathy. In doing so, I hope my students can bring their kind, caring, and brave leadership skills into their community.

What is the best thing about being a teacher? The best thing about being a teacher is building relationships with students and encouraging them to reach their full potential. It’s amazing to see how much growth and progress is made throughout the school year, as well as how proud students feel about their success.

Why did you become a teacher? I became a teacher because I truly believe in the power of education, as well as the importance of empowering future generations by providing an engaging and differentiated education. I wanted to become a teacher who would allow students the opportunity to become creative problem-solvers and independent thinkers both in and outside of the classroom.

Why do you teach here and not at a public school? I love the sense of community that private schools offer. As a part of this community, I truly enjoy getting to know my colleagues and students, which isn’t always the case in a public school setting.

While both teachers differ in experience and subjects taught, both Stanczak and Robbins agree the community and atmosphere at NDA makes all the headaches and stress worth it.