Center for Catholic Education at UD

By Victoria Schoen

Next, we would like to introduce you all to Michael Wiegand who is a 23 year old from Plainfield, Indiana. Michael is a graduate of UD who is in his first year of the Lalanne program. He will be teaching in Roger Bacon High School as a part of the Cincinnati community this coming school year. Read on to see how Michael responded to the interview questions that we asked him:

What is your favorite subject to teach? Math or Science

What is your favorite subject to learn? Math or Science

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 understand that hard work is worth it and putting forth the effort in everything you do will eventually pay off. Being able to challenge yourself is important for growth, whether it is intellectually or not. I think it is important for my students to grow as people as well as in their academics. So, if my students are able to work towards their own growth, (spiritually, emotionally, and academically) then they will grow into the people they are meant to be.

Who is your role model? Describe them: My role models are my parents. They are two of the hardest working people I know. Their faith life and passion for life is inspiring.

How were you inspired to become a teacher? I was inspired to become a teacher because I think that I can make a difference in the lives of my students. I know that I could make more money doing something else, but I know that I would not have as much of an influence on the future as a teacher does.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I think I decided to become a teacher because I knew a lot of friends were in the education field and talked about how passionate they were with their profession. I was not seeing that in my major at the time, so I knew that I wanted to be a part of this enthusiasm for teaching.

Why do you want to teach in Catholic schools? The environment of the Catholic school is just different from a public school. I went to a Catholic grade school and I remember feeling every day that everyone in that school was fully behind me and supported my education. When I transferred to a public middle and high school, it felt like the opposite. There was an “every man for himself” type of atmosphere that was detrimental to the educational growth of a lot of students. I know what setting that I would rather be in, because I want my students to know that I support them completely in each step of their academic journey.

What are three fun facts about you?

1. I have five siblings.
2. I love watching horror movies and riding roller coasters.
3. I can’t think of a third fun fact.

If you could teach anywhere in the world where would you teach? Honestly, I want to teach where I am needed and meant to be.

Let’s see what other members of the Lalanne program have to say about Michael:

“Michael knows how to work a backwards cap.”

“Michael may be the most unassuming, humble person I know. He is a true servant leader.”

“Early in the summer we discovered that Michael’s love language was acts of service. He is always willing to go out of his way to help anyone out in any way whether it is buying ingredients for a community dinner or staying up all night to keep someone company during a marathon paper writing session. He also spent his Monday mornings making breakfast for a group of us. Michael Monday’s became a highlight of the summer for me.”

“Michael’s beard is the first thing everyone notices about him, but there is so much more to him underneath that beard.  His sense of humor and one-liner jokes keep me going through our 4 hour classes.  I always know to go to Michael if I have an idea for adventure because he is always on board.”

“There is simply no one like Michael. At face value, he seems like a mountain man. But underneath, he’s one big thoughtful, funny, complicated bundle of joy.”

“Michael has a heart for service, and a mind for teaching.”

“Michael LOVES Linkin Park as well as country music and Celtic songs. Michael literally hates pizza. Like he cannot. Michael is really into fashion and has a large kilt collection. He recently added to his collection this past summer when he went to Celtic fest and he purchased a $200 kilt. On the first day of school, he will be wearing a cameo tie with matching cameo socks and who knows, you may see a kilt! He is inspired by Linkin Park to live a life that’s more like him and less like you. Because of this he lives a truly authentic life. He relays this message of being who God is calling you to be to his high school students. Michael is the OG.”