Center for Catholic Education at UD

By Victoria Schoen

The sixth Lalanne Teacher we would like to introduce to you is Heather Mills. Heather is 23 years old and she is from Highland Heights, Ohio. She is a graduate of Mercyhurst University and she is now in her 2^nd year in the Lalanne program. Heather is a member of the Dayton community and teaches at St. Patrick School. Let’s look at what Heather had to say in response to our interview questions:

What is your favorite subject to teach? Religion

What is your favorite subject to learn? Religion

What is the one most important thing that you want your students to learn from you or take away from your teaching? I want my students to learn to work together as a community of learners in order for each member of the community to grow spiritually, academically, emotionally, and socially.

Who is your role model? Describe them: My parents each serve as a role model to me.  They are people who are hardworking, kind, and supportive.  They are people of faith and family.  I have learned so much about life through them and now I am blessed to be able to call them my friends. 

How were you inspired to become a teacher? When I was about six years old my grandma asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I told her I wanted to be a teacher.  I guess I just knew from a very young age what I wanted to be in this world.  I am not exactly sure what really inspired me, but I know God laid this on my heart over time. 

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I want to do my part to make the world a better place.  My gift is not to solve all of the world’s troubles, but rather to give other’s the power to see their ability to solve the world’s challenges.  Teaching allows me the opportunity to work with young students to see their full abilities. 

Why do you want to teach in Catholic schools? My faith has always been an important part of my life.  Catholic schools allow me to evangelize the faith as well as, to grow in my own faith.  Catholic schools also, generally speaking, have a strong sense of community, which is what I would love to be a part of in my career. 

What are three fun facts about you? I have a black belt in karate (junior level- but it’s more fun to leave that part out).  I was a synchronized swimmer throughout high school.  I love going for long walks (not necessarily on the beach, but I wouldn’t count those out). 

If you could teach anywhere in the world where you teach? I would love to travel and teach in Ireland.

Tell us anything else you would like the readers to know about you: I am a very passionate person and am so excited to be part of the Lalanne program.  I love that I am able to grow professionally and spiritually simultaneously through living in community with other members of the program. 

Here are comments about Heather from other members of the Lalanne program:

 “You are my second grade teacher role model. Thank you so much!”

 “confident, organized, and compassionate for others”

“Heather has many Christ-like qualities such as her patience and love.”

“Heather always knows how to put a smile on someone’s face. She brings a passionate love of education and Christ into her classroom.”

“Heather is one of the most passionate teachers.  She loves her job, her faith and is such a great role model to the first years.”