Center for Catholic Education at UD

By Victoria Schoen

Our next lovely Lalanne teacher that we hope you will get to know is Julie Kanitz! Julie is a 22 year old from Cincinnati. She is a graduate of Xavier University in her first year as a Lalanne teacher. Julie is a part of the Lansing community and she will be teaching in St. Michael’s school this coming school year. Here is what Julie has to say about herself and her vocation as a teacher:

What is your favorite subject to teach? ELA (English Language Arts)

What is your favorite subject to learn? Reading and Writing

What is the one most important thing that you want your students to learn from you or take away from your teaching? The most important thing that I want my students to learn from me is that they should always believe in themselves and never be afraid to be themselves.

Who is your role model? Describe them: The biggest role models in my life are my parents. I have grown into the person that I am today because of them. They have always been there to support me in my decisions and have taught me to be caring, responsible, respectful, and to always follow my heart.

How were you inspired to become a teacher? Growing up I always looked up to the teachers that I had in school. They were always supportive, and caring, and encouraged me to be who I am. I was inspired to be a teacher because I wanted to be like them.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I decided to become a teacher to make a difference in my students’ lives. I want to be someone they can always look up to and trust, and inspire them to live out their dreams, as my teachers had done for me. I knew that becoming a teacher would allow me to make a positive impact in the lives of others. 

Why do you want to teach in Catholic schools? I want to teach in Catholic schools because I have attended Catholic schools since Kindergarten. Being in Catholic schools has played a large role in my life. I believe that teaching in a Catholic school will instill the morals that will help my students become well rounded individuals.

What are three fun facts about you? One fun fact about me is that I studied abroad in Rome and participated in a service trip to Jamaica during my junior year at college. A second fun fact is that I am obsessed with anything that is chocolate. A third fun fact is that if I was not going to be a teacher I would be an interior designer.

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

Here are comments from fellow teachers and Lalanne program staff about Julie:

“Julie is a bundle of energy and always brings a fun time!”

“While Julie may be one of the loudest people I know she is also one of the kindest. Julie is always there to help cheer you up, watch a movie, or have an all-night paper writing session.”

“We always know where Julie is.  You can either hear her laugh or voice from a mile away, but it’s never a bad thing because she is always having a fun time!”

“Julie is such a creative, bright, colorful and sociable human being. She’s like one great big crayon box.”

“Julie is a caring young woman with a heart for others.”

“Julie is in the top two best teachers Lalanne has ever seen. Julie likes animals, especially cats but mostly llamas. But more recently she has been interested in frogs. Julie enjoys movies and her favorite movie is Titanic. Similar to the movie, Julie’s heart will go on for her students. However, UNLIKE the movie, her classroom will not sink and she is willing to let anyone on that door with her. She will never let go of her passion for teaching. Unless you’re talking about Frozen’s “Let It Go”, because then she will let it go because nothing is going to hold her back anymore. If Julie had to describe teaching in one word she would say “enjoyable.” And that’s how you know she likes it.  This is her PASSION. This is her LIFE. THIS IS JULIE. (co-written by Julie Kanitz).”