Incoming 5th and 6th-grade science teacher Mazie Kaderlik might be new to the classroom, but as a CHS alumna and a worker at Cleveland’s Anders Early Learning Center—owned by her mother Kate Anderson—she is certainly not new to the Cleveland community.
Background
Kaderlik grew up in Madison Lake and was a member of the CHS class of 2020. She wanted to pursue a career in teaching for as long as she can remember.
“I love working with kids and seeing them flourish and succeed. My kindergarten teacher Ms. Torborg and my 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Calsbeek were the most influential in my decision to become a teacher. They made school and learning fun.”
So, after high school, she was off to Bemidji State University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She worked as lead infant teacher at Jr’s Academy Early Learning Center in Mankato before taking the position at Cleveland School.
She chose to return to the district based on her own positive experiences as a student here. Now, she couldn’t be more delighted to help shape the next generation of Clippers.
“The school environment is very positive and welcoming, and I’m very excited to be a part of that. I’m super excited that some of the students who I will be teaching this year, I helped take care of at Anders ELC when they were little.”
Stepping into this next season of her teaching career, Kaderlik reflects on her middle school self as she prepares to return to the Cleveland classroom this fall.
“If I were back in middle school, I probably wouldn’t believe myself that I would come teach back here one day. I would tell myself to take the opportunities that come along.”
Looking ahead
Ask her what her favorite subject to teach is, and she’ll tell you it isn’t about a topic at all.
“I really don’t have a favorite subject to teach. I love to teach all of it and seeing the students understand and grasp the material is the best part.”
Kaderlik has one big goal for her students during the 2026/2027 school year: that every single one of her students succeed and have fun. Even on a tough day, she finds joy in seeing her students smile.
Music helps her set the tone while preparing her classroom in the morning. And if you’re wondering how she keeps her energy high, an energy drink does the trick.
When she isn’t in the classroom, you might find her tackling a 1,000-piece puzzle and finishing the whole thing in only one day.