Melissa Elsbecker

Where do you teach?

Fort Dodge Middle School

What grade/subject do you teach?

I am the eighth-grade reading teacher on the Blue team.

Why do you teach?

I became a teacher because I enjoy working with and getting to know young people. I enjoy my students every day and watching them grow and learn throughout the year.

What is your favorite part of the school day?

I think my favorite part is the beginning of the day. We all get a fresh start every day, students and teachers!

What are you working hardest on right now?

Getting to know my students. Since it’s the beginning of the school year, I have 120 new students in my classes to get to know.

What are you most proud of as a teacher?

I am proud to be able to be a positive role model in my students’ lives.

What makes you happiest as a teacher?

I love to see former students. When they talk to me and tell me about how they are doing and what is going on in their lives makes my day.

How do you contribute to/how are you involved in our community outside of school?

My family and I attend Holy Trinity parish and volunteer at various community events such as Shellabration and state cross country.

What are your interests/hobbies outside of school?

Spending time with my family, attending my children’s athletic and activity events. I love to be outside walking my dogs and working in our garden.

What do you wish your students/families knew about you?

I see education as a young person’s greatest opportunity. When I look at my husband, our children and the rest of our family and see what they have accomplished from their education, it confirms that having an education opens so many doors and opportunities for a person. As a teacher, I am proud to have the opportunity to impact the lives of so many students.

What does Together We Rise mean to you?

Together We Rise means it takes all of us to get where we want to be. All meaning students, families, school staff, teachers and administrators doing their part. I am proud to be a Dodger and part of the Fort Dodge Middle School.