The Current selected West English teacher Danielle Schumacher as the inaugural subject of “Get to Know,” a new regular feature interviewing West Bend High Schools staff members about their interests. Schumacher said, “It is an honor to be the first.”
What is your favorite part of teaching?
My kids, of course. I love talking about literature with students and seeing them grow as well. It’s a mix between a love of literature and love of kids.
What is your favorite class to teach?
My heart belongs to Honors English II. That was the class that solidified how I wanted to be a teacher when I took it with Mr. Beltmann. I love the literature we read and it’s full of greatness.
What is your favorite book to teach?
It’s really hard to pick. I really enjoy teaching “Romeo and Juliet” in English I because it’s not what the kids expect. I also really like “The Great Gatsby.”
What do you think is unique about how you teach?
I like to think my passion for what I do is what makes me unique and fun to be around. I think people can tell I love what I do. Even when it’s not the greatest day on the planet, I still think the kids notice that.
What made you want to teach?
I just kind of knew. As I was growing up, I enjoyed school and the teachers when I grew up influenced me.
What is your favorite memory in the classroom?
Any moment where a kid kind of surprises me or proves me wrong. I might have what I think is going on in my head, but then I look at a kid’s work and they know what’s going on and they got it, that’s amazing.
Who is your hero?
This is going to sound cheesy, but my family and my parents. They really instilled in me to give back and to always do your best, giving your best effort, never letting people down. They encouraged me to find something I’m good at and then bring it out into the world. To share my love and my talents, like they did. They showed me how to use my passion.
If you could go on a free, all-expenses-paid vacation to anywhere, where would you go?
I would probably go around Europe. I would love to go to England, Spain, Greece, Germany.
What is your pet peeve?
People being disingenuous. I’ll take you however you are, but don’t put on a front. That doesn’t help anybody.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Earning my teaching license and being selected as a graduation speaker. I also earned some pretty decent scores on the first part of my National Board certifications.
What is your go-to karaoke song?
“Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).” It’s just a classic.
What was the last movie you saw and what did you think of it?
I rewatched “Happiest Season” and I loved it. It’s one of my new holiday favorites. I have it on DVD.
What do you do in your free time?
I like to hang out with my friends and husband and I like playing the Sims 4 because it gives me a sense of control over my life that I have no control over.
If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
I would probably be a dolphin because they are amazing and they live in the water. I would love to live in the water.
What celebrity would you like to meet and why?
Leo Dicaprio. I think he’s an acting genius. I’d love to pick his brain. But I’d also like to ask him why in the world he doesn’t date women his own age. Doesn’t he get sick of women under 30? I would love to ask him about stories while filming. What does he think about “The Great Gatsby”?
What was your first job?
Working at the bowling alley in town, the one we know as King Pin. It was known as Weiland’s. I cooked. I wanted to learn the bowling stuff, but I was too young.
Fast Five Favorites:
Movie: “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
TV show: “The Golden Girls” + “Ghosts”
Band/Singer: The Brothers Osbourne
Book: “The Great Gatsby”
Food: Chinese food
Interview and photo by Noah Becker, Current Staff.
The West Bend Current 