Emily Borcherding, Expo High School

Position: 6th – 12th Grade Math Virtual Academy

Years Teaching:  16

Hobbies: Volunteering, playing jazz on my string bass/electric bass, playing golf, playing in handbell choir, attending UNI sporting events, traveling, photography

What do you enjoy most about teaching? I most enjoy the chance to connect with students and see them grow in their confidence in themselves and their skills

What do you find most challenging about teaching? At times, the most challenging thing can be getting students to attend. I know post-pandemic times that school attendance nationwide has been down, but that is oftentimes the hardest barrier--getting students to come to school/log in to school.

Best tip for new teachers: Trust the process--the first couple of years can be really hard and exhausting! Make sure to trust that you will hit your stride. You have had a lot of training and preparation for this--it will settle down!

Best tip for career teachers: "Be Where your Feet Are"--sometimes it can be easy to mentally drift and think of other goals or places we area heading, but knowing that each student is counting on us to give them our best and to be present with them in their struggles and joys--be there in that moment with them, in the good and bad.

Favorite piece of advice for students: Success can take a lot of different paths and shapes--be proud of who you are and make your own path to your own version of success.

What does being a Gold Star Teacher mean to you? Being a Gold Star Teacher is a tremendous honor! I am humbled by this honor, as I believe that teaching takes a whole village and that it is bigger than any one of us. However, I am thankful for be granted this honor. This honor also shows the impact and value of alternative education to students and to the community, which is important to me. Thank you to all of the teachers out there!