Ronda Rathe

Ronda Rathe
Dunkerton Elementary School

School: Dunkerton Elementary School

School System: Dunkerton Community Schools

Subject and Grade Level: 2nd Grade Teacher

Education: University of Northern Iowa

Hobbies: Reading, sports

Family members: Jon (husband), Brett (son), and Kayla (daughter)

How long have you been teaching: 20 years

The Thing You Like Most About Teaching: My favorite thing in teaching is working with the students.

The Thing You Find Most Challenging About Teaching: The biggest challenge is finding enough time in the day to meet the individual student’s needs and to find a variety of ways to engage students.

Best Tip for New Teachers: The best advice for a new teacher is to talk with your colleagues.  They are the best resource for getting helpful hints and advice.

Best Tip for Career Teachers: A tip for career teachers is to take time to give yourself a pat on the back for the effort you give in the classroom every day and to give every lesson the energy and enthusiasm.

Favorite Piece of Advice for Students: I tell my students to believe in themselves and to try.  Their effort will affect their achievement.

What Being a Gold Star Teacher Means to You: It is an honor to be recognized in a profession where everyone strives to help students succeed and to realize that I’ve been recognized for the impact that I’ve had on a child’s education.