Educators are perhaps the greatest population of unsung heroes in Berrien and Cass County. This school year, Leader Publications will publish a weekly spotlight featuring teachers throughout the district, giving the community a chance to get to know the hard-working individuals shaping their children’s lives. Throughout the next school year, their answers will be published in the newspaper that serves each school district.

Name: Maria Culbertson

School: Niles New Tech Entrepreneurial Academy

Grade(s)/subject(s) taught: 9-12- American Studies, World Studies, CivLit, A2Lit, Psychology (in Niles High School)

Where did you attend college?

I earned an associate’s degree at North Lake College, in Coppell, Texas, my undergraduate at Eastern Michigan University, in Ypsilanti, Michigan; and my master’s degree at Central Michigan University, in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

How many years have you been teaching? How many years have you been with your current school?

I’ve taught for six years, five years at Niles New Tech.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I knew early on I wanted to be a teacher because I loved school and my teachers were especially encouraging and supportive. I went through a lot growing up, and my teachers were always there for me; I knew I wanted to do the same when I grew up. The teachers I remember best were those that showed they cared for me as a person and, coincidently, most of them were social studies teachers as I am now.

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing for fun?

Being a wife and raising a crazy energetic 2-year-old is incredibly fun. I also love to read, go to the beach, and travel.

What is one thing your students may not know about you?

The summer I turned 16, I would drive to the local library each week and check out seven books; I read a book a day for at least a month. While I love to travel the world, sometimes traveling to a different world through a book is just as much fun because you don’t have to pack.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why?

Having read more books than I can count makes this a difficult question. I think it would be a toss-up between Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series and Sabriel from the book Sabriel by Garth Nix. I love how spunky, intelligent, and strong-willed Hermione is. Sabriel grew up not realizing the danger her world was in and had to develop an inner strength in order to stay alive and battle the evil in her world. She went through countless hardships, struggled, and made it out physically, emotionally, and mentally stronger.

When you were a student in the grade you teach, what were your favorite hobbies?

I loved playing volleyball and running track. I read like a fiend and was incredibly involved in my local youth group, going on mission trips around the world and leading a middle school girls group.

How would your co-workers describe your teaching style and personality?

They would probably describe me as loud and full of love. I think they would say I am strict but caring and that most students in the building have probably gotten a hug from me at some point. I hope they would say that my desire for students to learn how to love themselves and others, to be better human beings in this world, rings through each conversation, activity, and lesson.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

Jesus. Every day I think about how I want to be a better image bearer of my savior. Jesus loved so perfectly; he was peaceful, patient, joyful, full of grace, merciful, just. I think the more we try to be like Jesus, the better this world would be.

How has education changed in the last 10 years?

An aspect of education that has changed is the realization that there isn’t a one-sized approach to education. I believe we are experiencing a dawning point in our world. Some of our greatest areas of growth come through the mistakes we make and the willingness to try something new. I think the options that are available for students right now is incredible and I want to see that grow and expand. Students need to see the relevance of what/why they are learning and I hope schools will continue to transform in order for students to choose their own learning path within a safe environment where adults are present to guide, encourage, and challenge.

What is your best advice to parents to help their child continue growing academically?

Be involved! Ask specifically what they learned in their classes, what questions they had, and how they found the answer or how they are going to find the answers; encourage them to read, and especially read with them. Whether it is through graphic novels, comics, fiction and/or nonfiction, reading opens up whole new worlds both literally and figuratively. 

If my students learn one thing this year, I hope it is empathy.