January Teacher Feature: Mrs. Dana LaMotte

Mrs. Dana LaMotte, Technology Integrator (Elementary & Middle School) & K-8 Coding Coach

Name: Dana LaMotte

Grade/Subject & School(s) You Work with: Technology Integrator (Elementary & Middle School) & K-8 Coding Coach

Where did you grow up and go to high school and college?
Grew up in Stevens Point. Graduate of SPASH class of 1987! Associates Degree in Business Management (Mid-State). Associates Degree in Graphic Design/Marketing (Northeast Wisconsin Technical College).

Where was your first job in education?
St. Peter’s – Learning Resource Aide

How long have you been working at Pacelli Catholic Schools?
Learning Resource Aide 8 years, Coding Coach 1 year

What do you enjoy most about working at Pacelli Catholic Schools?
Our students and building a relationship with them in which I can watch them thrive. Nothing is more enjoyable than being able to help a student push through a task, be it a homework assignment or writing code, and succeed. Their excitement is contagious and knowing that you helped them in some way is why I enjoy working within our schools.

What is unique about the education experience offered at PCS that you can’t find anywhere else?
The individual attention that our students receive, from teachers and support staff. It comes from a place of genuine caring and allows us to develop wonderful mentoring relationships.

Have you received any teaching-related awards?
Diocesan Support Staff of the Year 2016

What was your favorite class when you were a student?
History

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

Who is your biggest inspiration/role model?
My parents are my role models. Their continuing love and support for each other and our family has taught me that these are the most important things in our lives. I’ve learned from them that being there for those you love can get you through anything and kindness goes a long way.

What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?
Reading, hanging out with friends and family, upcycling antiques with my husband, and watching my son play sports/perform.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
The power to heal. It is very hard for me to see people in pain.

What’s something that most people or your students don’t know about you?
That even though I’m a huge Iron Man fan, my favorite Marvel movie is Guardians of the Galaxy.

What is the most important piece of advice you can give to a student?
You won’t always be good at things and that’s okay, but believe in yourself enough to try and get better at it and push towards the things you really want to achieve.