After stepping in to cover third grade and special education classrooms at Cleveland school last year, new fifth and sixth grade social studies teacher Ella Michael is ready to have a room of her own.
Driven by her passion for education, she is looking forward to connecting with students and making a lasting impact this school year.
Background
Michael grew up in Elysian and attended Waterville-Elysian-Morristown School. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
Since then, she hasn’t stopped expanding her education and knowledge. She is currently working on her master’s degree in instruction through the University of Wisconsin–Superior.
Michael wanted to become a teacher because she always sensed strong connections with kids and families.
“I decided to become a teacher because I love working with people, and I easily connect with kids. I also found I have a passion for teaching and finding ways to engage students in activities.”
She chose Cleveland after, while job hunting last year, she took on a September-to-April substitute teaching role in Emily Elverums’ third grade class. For the remainder of the school year, she subbed in Debbie Domras and Kaitlynn Faulkner's special education classrooms.
Michael loved the experience so much that she is returning as a permanent teacher, largely because the Clipper community held a special place in her heart.
“I stumbled upon the 3rd-grade long-term substitute position and was expecting it to be temporary. However, shortly after starting, it was clear to me that the kids, staff and district were the place I wanted to work. Truly, the kids I got to teach and spend every day with were amazing. I learned from them just as much as they learned from me.”
Michael is ready to step into her teaching role this year looking forward to working with the fifth and sixth grade team and teaching social studies, but she is also excited about seeing and reconnecting with her past students.
Moving forward
To stay energized throughout the day, Michael loves jumping right into classroom games and activities. She also loves good coffee.
While her personal favorite artist is folk and pop singer-songwriter Noah Kahan, her favorite music moment in the classroom is watching kids sing along to songs they know, which she calls the best thing in the world.
Outside the classroom Michael stays active reading, board games, neighborhood walks, trying new cafes, paddle boarding and pickle ball.