*Teacher: Chemistry and 8th Grade Science*
By: Kelsey Bruzek, Valery Warner, and Tyler Elzholz
October 2, 2020
This week’s staff spotlight focuses on one of Brooklyn’s newest teachers, Nicolette Kunath. This is her first year of teaching in the Brooklyn City School District.
Our group had the opportunity to sit down with Miss Kunath and ask her a series of questions to get to know her on a more personal level.
Q1.) Where did you go to college, and why did you decide to go there?
A.) “I went to two different colleges that I have a lot of love for. Out of high school, I was accepted and went to The Ohio State University. I stayed at OSU for my freshman and sophomore year but decided the large class size wasn’t for me, and I wanted to change my major at the time, and OSU did not offer it. So, I transferred to Baldwin Wallace University (Go Jackets!) and completed my undergraduate degree, there. I also later went back to BW for my master’s degree.”
Q2.) What stood out to you that made you choose the Brooklyn City School District?
A.) “I love the small-school environment. Brooklyn provides me with the small-school atmosphere I was looking for, as well as the positive staff support here. All the teachers at Brooklyn have helped me feel so welcome.”
Q3.) Was teaching your first career choice, and do you wish to continue?
A.) “Teaching was not my first career choice (gasp!). I originally thought while working with the Cleveland Indians after college that I could not have a better job. I started to train people as part of my job, and I loved being able to teach new things to people. I also missed the content that I spent years studying, so I decided to go back to get my Master of Arts in Education. Now, I have both of what I love to do and the freedom to make science fun and applicable in my classroom. As of right now, I cannot see myself happier in any other career.”
Q4.) Where did you grow up, and where were you born?
A.) “I was born in Cleveland, OH, and grew up in Columbia Station, OH.”
Q5.) What was your biggest setback during your teaching career?
A.) “My biggest setback was not believing in myself when I was younger, and I think that held me back in a lot of ways I will never know. However, I do believe that everything happens for a reason, and there are positives and negatives for everything you do in life. You have to be confident in the decisions you make. My advice to you is to be confident in what you do, put the work in for what you want, don’t be afraid to do something new, and you will see the rewards.”
Q6.) What activities did you participate in during high school?
A.) “During high school, outside of classes, my focus was softball. I played softball (travel and school softball) from the time I was five and into Baldwin Wallace in college. I was in Key Club and other activities that also kept me busy, but if you were trying to find me, I was on the field or in the weight room 99 percent of the time.”
Q7.) What hobbies are you interested in when you aren’t teaching?
A.) “When I’m not teaching, I love to stay active and be outdoors. I love long-distance bike-riding, golfing, boxing, yoga, taking care of my basset hound Clyde, and watching sports on TV. I also enjoy just hanging out with my family and having a fire at night.”
Brooklyn High School is excited to welcome Miss Kunath and cannot wait to see the excitement that she brings to the classroom.
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 