Teacher Spotlights - Featuring Mrs. Zadrzynski and Mrs. Hartz

Now Introducing… Mrs. Zadrzynski!

Although she has only been a Junior high science teacher for around two years now... She’s been working in Princeville for about seven years! She started her teaching career as a first-grade teacher at the grade school and moved to junior high science after around five years. When I asked her why she made the switch- she answered, “I felt like I could connect and relate better with older kids.” and she’s doing an excellent job. 

Mrs. Zadrynski has an elementary education degree (from her time at Iowa State University) and a master’s in reading (earned after attending Illinois State University.) She originally wanted to become a dietician but realized she wouldn’t be learning the actual nutritional stuff until later- and decided to switch to teaching with her science experience instead. 

I then asked about the most rewarding aspect of her job, and she responded with, “I love watching students’ knowledge on different science content evolve and deepen through challenging, yet rewarding problem-solving!” After a few more questions, I learned that her teaching style is similar to her favorite science teacher from her childhood! She described both her and that teacher as calm people with similar personalities- but she had a little bit more to add about herself, “I would say I’m fairly relaxed and laid back…. For most groups.”

Thank you Mrs. Z for allowing me to interview you, it was a pleasure. 

And now... Mrs. Hartz!

As a past student of the Priceville school district, Mrs. Hartz has always wanted to be a teacher. After graduating from Illinois State University, she snatched up a position as an aide. And now, after two and a half years she claimed a new position as a second and third-grade special education teacher. 

When asked about her thoughts on her job, she says,” I think the most rewarding part of my job is seeing the students succeed,” and she’s doing great at it! According to Mrs. Hartz, her students would describe her as, “Calm, tender-hearted, and caring.” And after our interview, I totally believe it!

What I find most interesting is Mrs. Hartz’s dedication to the Princeville school district. Although she mentioned her love for traveling, she’s stayed here and works for the community. In her words, “It’s fun giving back to the community that I went to school at.”

It was really nice getting to know Mrs. Hartz.  I thank her for the amazing opportunity.