February 2024’s Teach of the Month is Natalie Dirkx. Dirkx teaches both biology and Accelerated Chemistry classes and has been teaching for two years. Both of her teaching years have been spent at ADM High School as she enjoys both the students and staff she is surrounded by.

Dirkx became a teacher due to her love of science. She claims that she chose to teach science to promote the idea that “everyone has a role in science.” She also noted that she chose to teach high school students because they can grasp deeper scientific concepts, and she feels as though she can connect and make bonds with her students, which she enjoys and makes her job more fulfilling. Dirkx also claimed that writing on a whiteboard is a nice perk to the job. According to her, being named Teacher of the Month “makes her heart happy.”

She loves being able to uplift and support her students and thinks that this honor reflects all the time and effort she puts into making each students’ education meaningful and supported.