Mrs. D'Ottavio
Teacher of the Week
by Megan Hansen
March 31, 2008
Teacher of the Week
Name: Donna D'Ottavio
What are some of the classes you teach? I teach French and Spanish, all grade levels (9-12)
Why did you become a teacher? I became a teacher in part because of my mother's encouragement. She went to college to become a teacher but was unable to continue her education due to financial reasons. She always regretted never finishing her teaching degree. My two younger sisters and I all got our teaching degrees. My youngest sister and I have taught all of our professional lives. I also become a teacher because I love languages and I decided that teaching them would be a wonderful way to use them and to earn a living at the same time.
What classes did you take to become a teacher? I had to take classes in education as well as classes in French and Spanish in college. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education and French with a minor in Spanish, but most of my teaching years have been Spanish.
What are some of your hobbies and interest? I don't have a T.V., so in my free time I read a lot. I also work with my animals since I've been involved with animal rescue for years and have dogs, cats, and horses to take care of. I love to travel and spend time with my family.
What do you like most about E-H? I love the small class sizes and the personal connections I have been able to make, getting to know students and their families. I also really like having the opportunity for involvement in extra curricular activities, such as working with Mrs. Johnson with the students in speech competitions, taking my foreign language club students to Madrigal, taking the student soccer fans to Sioux City North High School's soccer games, etc. I really enjoy getting to know my students and I've found that the extra curricular activities can sometimes be better for that than in class time.
