Name: Carolyn Karutz

Neighborhood: Dunhill Farm

High School: St. Joseph’s Academy

University: University of Dayton

Degree: Early Childhood Education

Kehrs Mill Elementary: Fourth Grade Teacher

 

I have wanted to be a teacher ever since I was 7 years old. I remember my first day in second grade as the new kid at my elementary school and how nervous I felt. On that first day of school, my teacher, Mrs. Kurka, read a book about a new girl, reading my name in place of the character’s name, but I just knew she had looked everywhere for a book with my first name in it. (So, I thought!) To this day, I remember how special and important she made me feel. I came home from school that day determined to be a teacher when I grew up because I wanted to make my own students feel as wonderful and special as Mrs. Kurka made me feel. From that day forward, I began my own classroom in my basement, teaching my stuffed animals in front of a dry-erase board. I am grateful for the many teachers who touched my life and inspired me to become an educator. 

 

The University of Dayton in Ohio. Go, Flyers!

 

I have a dyslexia certificate as well as an additional certificate in fourth and fifth grade. I have always loved reading and writing and had a desire to improve my students’ abilities in the area of language arts. Additionally, my fourth- and fifth-grade certificate allowed me to dive deeper into the major content areas of the upper elementary grades. 

 

My older sister, Victoria, had attended the University of Dayton, so I knew it was one of my contenders. When I stepped on campus, it was the first school that truly felt like home. Dayton also has a wonderful reputation with its teacher education program, ranked fourth nationally. I grew not only in my academics but enjoyed enrichment activities to grow myself as an individual through volunteer work, being a part of an a cappella group and performing in musical theater productions. Dayton was a wonderful experience, and I absolutely loved it. 

 

I love how every day is new and exciting, as 9- and 10-year-olds are never boring! My fourth-graders keep me smiling and laughing every day with their humor, wit and stories. While we work hard each day, the classroom community that develops in the span of a school year is what touches my heart the most. My students truly make each day fun and are the reason I am excited about work every day. I could not imagine myself doing anything else! 

 

I am a firm believer that all professionals should continue to grow and develop in their field of study. I keep up to date on the field of education through regular professional development events that I attend, books shared among colleagues and by having a strong network among my fellow teachers. My fourth-grade teammates are a wealth of knowledge, and it is such a gift to learn from such skilled and dedicated professionals on a daily basis. I am also looking forward to beginning my master’s program this coming summer. 

 

My advice is to be open to different grade levels and ages, and to experience and observe in as many different schools and classes as possible. You never know what your perfect classroom fit might be! I always thought I would solely teach younger grades, but I have absolutely loved teaching fourth grade. Another piece of advice would be to find an experienced, passionate educator that you can rely on for any questions but can also uplift you throughout your career. Surrounding yourself with like-minded, driven teachers is imperative for a successful teaching experience!