In the busy halls of Potosi High School, Katie Droeszler’s classroom stands out. She’s not just any teacher; she’s a special education teacher who genuinely cares about her students and their growth. With tons of energy and experience, Miss Droeszler is about making a real difference in her students' lives.
Miss Droeszler’s journey into teaching started when she was in high school and she tutored three kindergarteners with learning disabilities. “That experience made me realize how much I enjoy helping students succeed,” she says. It was a game-changer for her and set her on the path to becoming a teacher.
Miss Droeszler taught 5th graders in elementary school for several years, three years at Potosi, from 2017 through 2020. Then she left for four years in which she was at Belmont from 2021 through 2024. Miss Droeszler felt the pull to return to Potosi. “I wanted to try something new, and I’ve always dreamed of being a special education teacher,” she explains. This shift allowed her to mix her past experiences with her passion for helping students, leading to an exciting new chapter.
Switching from elementary to high school hasn’t been all rainbows and sunshine, though. One of Miss Droeszler’s biggest challenges is not having all her students in one classroom all day. “It’s super important for me to meet with each student so they get the support they need to be successful,” she shares. But she’s learned to embrace patience and celebrate even the tiniest wins, which she picked up from her years at the elementary level.
Miss Droeszler’s teaching style is all about connecting with her students. “I aim to understand how I can best support them and create lessons that fit their needs,” she says. She loves using hands-on activities and real-life examples to keep her students engaged and help them grasp the material. One of the memories she had with hands-on activities from teaching elementary was her students doing hands-on science experiments and building marble rolls. One of her new hands-on activities is the school coffee shop, which is a part of a life skills class that a couple of students take during first hour. Students help with making coffee for staff orders and then delivering it to classrooms. Through this, they learn communication, budgeting, and time management skills.
Motivating her students is key to Miss Droeszler’s approach. “I’m all about constant encouragement and rewarding them when they hit their goals,” she explains. She knows that positive vibes go a long way in creating a motivating classroom atmosphere. Plus, she emphasizes the importance of keeping in touch with parents because she believes that a strong connection with families is crucial for student success.
With eight years of teaching experience under her belt, Miss Droeszler has worked with tons of students who needed extra support. “I find different ways to teach so they can understand and succeed,” she explains. The best part? Seeing her students’ faces light up when they finally get it. “It’s super rewarding to watch them achieve something they’ve worked hard for,” she adds.
Looking back at her time at Potosi, Miss Droeszler has seen some changes, like new faces among the students and staff, but the amazing culture remains the same. She values teamwork with her colleagues, saying, “Working together is key to helping students succeed. It ensures they get the support they need to reach their goals.”
In the future, Miss Droeszler has plans to further her education by pursuing a master’s degree in special education. Her advice for new teachers is straightforward: “Always look for the positives and have fun!”
Katie Droeszler’s story is a true inspiration. As she finds her way through the halls of Potosi High School, she’s not just teaching lessons; she’s instilling hope in the hearts of her students. She’s making a lasting impact on everyone she meets.