A new school year comes with new teachers

MT PLEASANT – It’s that time of year again, teachers and families are preparing for a new school year. Take some time to get to know the newest teachers to the area.

Danielle Norton

Danielle Norton is the new Math Interventionist for kindergarten through fifth grade students. Norton is passionate for small group and data driven work, and excited for her new position.

Norton married her husband, Drew four and a half years ago.

They recently moved to the Mt. Pleasant area from Cedar Rapids, however, Norton did grow up in the Danville area with her two younger brothers.

Her husband works with IT for the Mt. Pleasant Community School District.

They have a puppy named Onyx.

Previously, Norton taught kindergarten at a low socioeconomic, refugee school.

They attend Harmony Bible Church at the Danville campus regularly and would welcome the opportunity to say hi on a Sunday morning.

About Life Outside of School

What is one of your hidden talents?

I am double jointed

What would the students be surprised to find out about you?

My favorite animal is a pig! I LOVE them!

What is your dream vacation?

Seeing each of the Seven Wonder of the World

If you won the lottery and decided to give up teaching, what would you do instead?

Travel

About School Life

What makes a ‘good day’ at school?

Watching students’ confidence grow - academically and personally.

What sort of morning routine do you have to get jazzed for class?

Listening to worship music and praying over my day.

I pray for the relationship I’ll be able to build with my students, and that they’ll know how loved, valued and capable they are.

I pray over their homes and parents, that we will be able to form a bond with the common goal of advocating for and loving their child as an individual first and a learner next.

I also pray over their hearts - that they’ll see Jesus through me, and desire to come to know Him!

When I had my own classroom, I’d start the day by praying over a specific student’s (or students’) table spot(s) & needs I knew he or she had in that moment.

How does technology make teaching more simple or difficult?

Technology has a fine line, but I love it and am studying deeper applications, right now, in my Graduate program! Technology at school and at home oftentimes have different expectations and uses, which can be challenging, but also helps with simpler introduction into school use.

About the Students

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?

Figure out the "why" behind what you are learning, and that will help your understanding and application of it.

What’s a school sport or activity you enjoy watching?

Football and basketball.

I played basketball growing up. It was actually what I spent the majority of my time doing.

My family is full of players/coaches around SE Iowa!

As far as football, I’m just a sucker for fall in general, and football comes with the season! I’m also a huge Hawkeye fan!

If you could take the students on a field trip anywhere in the world, where would you take them?

Anywhere they could experience an elongated time immersed in another culture

Just for Kicks

What is your first memory from school?

Dancing with my Kindergarten teacher

In which Hogwarts house would you be sorted?

Gryffindor

If you could grow up in any decade, which would you choose?

The Roaring 20s!

Did you see the new Star Wars on opening night?

After marrying my husband, yes. Before that I’d never seen Star Wars before!

What would your perfect party look like?

Surrounded by my family and closest friends, eating great homemade food around a bonfire.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com