Denise Aalderks, Aldrich Elementary

Position: 5th grade teacher

Years Teaching: 27 years

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy golfing, kayaking, long walks, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.

What do you enjoy most about teaching? There is no doubt that what I enjoy most about teaching are my students and coworkers! Also, I appreciate the opportunity to live and learn alongside the students and staff. Teaching provides me the opportunities to do what I love while working in a school with amazing students, families and staff. The energy and enthusiasm they all bring to school makes my job the best in the world!

What do you find most challenging about teaching? My biggest challenge is the fact that there never seem to be enough time in a day to fit everything in. Teachers have many responsibilities which all take time, energy, and enthusiasm to be completed in a quality way.

Best tip for new teachers: Teaching is not just a job or career: it’s a lifestyle. Do not underestimate the power of building relationships with ALL of your students. Strong student and parent relationships help motivate students to learn both inside and outside of the classroom.

Best tip for career teachers: Embrace every opportunity to collaborate with all of your staff by sharing ideas and supporting each other. Work hard to be social, reflective, and always look for ways to improve. Our best resources are each other.

Favorite piece of advice for students: Have FUN learning! School is a safe place where you should take risks, ask questions, learn new things and get involved in as many opportunities as you possibly can. Always be the best you can be!

What being a Gold Star Teacher means to you: I feel incredibly honored to be selected as a Gold Star Teacher. Thank you to my family, friends, students, and all of my past and current colleagues who have helped shape my teaching journey. It has truly been a privilege to work with such terrific students, staff and parents. They all helped me along the way in becoming the person and teacher that I am.

Watch Denise’s video here!