Five Things: Michelle Terelle

Beachwood City Schools saw lots of new hires this school year — more than two dozen. Beachwood Patch asked some of the new teachers to tell us a few things about themselves. Look for a new teacher every Friday.

Michelle Terelle is Hilltop’s new fifth grade math and science teacher. She began her career four years ago at Hudson Middle School and attended Lake Erie College. In addition to teaching at Beachwood, she is a graduate student at the University of Akron pursuing a Masters in instructional technology. 

1. What is your favorite part about teaching younger kids?

“Getting to know them. I love that age level and the excitement of the middle child age. They’re really excited about learning and I’m trying to take that excitement and show them how to be lifelong learners.”

2. How do you hone their excitement?

“I definitely try to get to know my students. I want to teach them not just the subject. I take their interests and apply it to the class and show them how what we’re learning relates to the real world. Giving them examples keeps them engaged.”

3. What is your favorite subject to teach?

“Definitely math and science. I love showing the kids all the different information we’ve had throughout the year and how scientific information is always changing. I think the kids really like the fact that it’s not something that stays the same and there is always a chance for new discoveries.”

4. What do you like to do outside the classroom?

“I love to read. I like girly books. Emily Giffin is currently one of my favorite authors. I’m a Twilight nerd and I love Harry Potter too.”

5. What has teaching taught you?

“I definitely don’t know all there is to know. Kids are constantly teaching me things. It pushes me as an individual because not all kids learn the same way.”