ISTA Member Profile - Stephanie Bruekmann
09/23/2024

1) How did you make the decision to pursue a career in education?

My mother and grandmother were teachers. I grew up in classrooms and being surrounded by individuals who loved to learn and continue their education throughout their lives.

2) How long have you been an educator?

I am in my eighth year of teaching.

3) What’s your favorite thing about public education?

My favorite thing about public education is the family and community that is found in schools. Not only in our students and their families, but the family that is created with your coworkers and school members.

4) Do you have a favorite memory as a classroom teacher?

Due to being in the same school for so long, I have formed so many memories with families and their children. I have taught big sisters and brothers and met their little siblings when they were babies. Then, fast forward a few years, I am now teaching the "babies" in either first or second grade. One of my favorite memories of this specific example is this past year I had a student who I had taught first and second grade, and I had her older brother when he was in second grade. I met her when she was two. She said, "I am so thankful I have known you for almost all of my life."

5) Why are you an ISTA member?

I joined to have my voice amplified. Education is in such a hard place right now, and we need a larger community to ensure that we are being heard.

6) What’s your favorite thing about starting a new school year?

Meeting my students and finding new and exciting ways to teach. Every year is new and different.

7) What do you look forward to year after year?

Continuing to grow my own education and knowledge that I can then use in the classroom to help better myself as an educator and better my students.