Central Middle School is lucky to have a teacher like Kaelee Dean! 🍎✨ Kaelee started her journey with a different plan in mind, originally seeing herself as an elementary school teacher. But after a long-term substitute position at Central, she quickly realized where she belonged. "Their sense of humor keeps things lively, and the energy they bring to the classroom makes every day exciting!" she says. ㅤ Within her classroom, Kaelee makes learning come alive by creating lessons that are both interactive and relevant to her students’ lives. She uses a variety of strategies—such as hands-on activities, small group discussions, and technology—to keep them actively involved. By mixing creativity, choice, and real-world connections, she keeps students curious and invested in their learning. #TeachingWithHeart To Kaelee, teaching isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to inspire, guide, and care for the next generation. Teaching with heart means building strong relationships and showing up for her students every day. ㅤ For Kaelee, the most rewarding part of teaching is much more than just the daily lessons. “My favorite part about being a teacher is building lasting relationships with my students and watching them grow—not just throughout the school year, but from year to year as well. Being able to help them build confidence, develop independence, and recognize their potential is one of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher.” ㅤ Kaelee highly recommends Waterloo Schools to other new educators, saying the strong support from her team, mentor coach, and principals has made her feel valued every step of the way. #TeachingWithHeart #CreatedForAPurpose #CentralMiddleSchool #WaterlooSchools