Educators are perhaps the greatest population of unsung heroes in Berrien and Cass counties. 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: Susan Sobehrad

School: Niles New Tech Entrepreneurial Academy

Grade(s)/subject(s) taught: 10 through 12, chemistry and earth science

Where did you attend college? Iowa State University, University of Texas at Austin

How many years have you been teaching? How many years have you been with your current school? Twenty-seven years, first year at Niles New Tech.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? For the “aha” moments when students learn something new or have a great learning experience.

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing for fun? Reading, hiking, cooking and traveling.

What is one thing your students may not know about you? I have two sons. One is a saxophone player and recording engineer, and the other has a PhD in medieval history.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Harry Potter. He’s brave, resourceful and magical.

When you were a student in the grade you teach, what were your favorite hobbies? Reading and baking.

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

Who is your biggest role model and why? My mom. She taught me to follow the Golden Rule, always do the best you can do, leave a place better than you found it, and that you can never love someone too much.

How has education changed in the last 10 years? Too much emphasis on standardized testing at all levels.

What is your best advice to parents to help their child continue growing academically? Ask their children about their school day — even big kids need to know their parents care about them and their education.

If my students learn one thing this year, I hope it is…  to be self-motivated to work hard and do the right thing, and taking care of the Earth is important — it’s the only one we’ve got.