November Teacher Feature: Mrs. Emily Butz

Mrs. Emily Butz, 1st Grade, Pacelli Catholic Elementary School-St. Bronislava

Name: Emily Butz

Grade & School You Teach: First Grade at St. Bronislava

Where did you grow up and go to high school and college?

I grew up in Annandale, MN and attended high school in Maple Lake, MN. I graduated from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND with a B.S. in Elementary Education and a B.A. in Spanish.

Where was your first teaching job?

My first teaching job was teaching 1st grade at Winship Elementary, an English Language Learner magnet school,  in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

How long have you been teaching?

This is my second year teaching first grade!

How long have you been teaching at Pacelli Catholic Schools?

This is my first year at Pacelli Catholic Schools. My husband and I just moved to Stevens Point from North Dakota.

What do you enjoy most about teaching at Pacelli Catholic Schools?

What I enjoy most about teaching at Pacelli Catholic Schools is the wonderful students I have in my class and the great families in our system.

What is unique about the education experience offered at PCS that you can’t find anywhere else?

The unique education experience offered at PCS is that we get to incorporate our Catholic beliefs into our classrooms, which builds a positive environment for our students.   

What was your favorite class when you were a student?

When I was a student, I genuinely liked every subject! They are all so fun I can’t decide.  I suppose that’s why I turned to teaching when I was older!

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was in elementary school, I wanted to be a prima ballerina when I grew up.

Who is your biggest inspiration/role model?

My biggest role models are my parents. My mom is a wonderful teacher that I aspire to be like and my dad has shown me that hard work and determination can get you far in life.

What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, being outdoors, reading, baking, watching movies, playing piano, and crafting! I love traveling and I’m always up for new adventures.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

If I could have one superpower I would like to have the ability to apparate and disapparate (or in muggle terms, teleportation) so that I can transport to any place I would like whenever I feel like traveling!

What’s something that most people or your students don’t know about you?

I plan on visiting the six main continents  in my lifetime. Right now I’m at 3 out of 6! (Sorry Antarctica…I’ll count you as an extra credit excursion!)

What is the most important piece of advice you can give to a student?

1. Never give up!  
2. You do you. You are special and unique. Don’t worry about what others think.
3. Read, read, read!