News
Hayley Gotzsche
Teacher: Hayley Gotzsche
Subject: Choir and Theatre
School: Willowbrook Middle School (South Beloit)
Teaching experience: 7 at WMS, 10 total
What did a nominator or recommender say about this teacher?
- “Hayley has been my choir teacher for more than four years and has changed me as a person. I’ve grown more confident in my capabilities from her lessons after school, to theater. I’ve learned to love music and even make my own. I’ve been to district 8 for ILMEA for two years now, and it’s all been thanks to her. Knowing I won’t see her next year is heartbreaking, She’s helped me learn to love myself despite mental struggles. She’s always supported me.” – a student nomination
- “Whether describing the origins of theatre in Ancient Greece or guiding students through how to sing in harmony, Hayley finds ways to connect and get her students truly excited about learning. She is always looking for new ways to get them to take pride in their work. Thanks to her leadership and dedication, our staff and school community have come to know the choir as a high-quality, competitive ensemble of young musicians.” – a peer letter of recommendation
What does this teacher say? “I feel that the results of [my] commitment are evident in the excitement, passion and dedication of [my] students. Not only has the choral program continued to grow and improve, but the students openly accepted the implementation of a theater class for 6th, 7th and 8th graders into their elective rotation. I was unsure how students would receive a theater class, especially at such a vulnerable time as middle school, but the students were able to successfully buy in, knowing my classroom is a safe environment where they can make mistakes, be silly and express themselves without judgment. My passion for the subject has been matched and returned by the students.”
What else do we know? Hayley is the sole music and theater educator at Willowbrook. She also offers extracurricular opportunities such as the spring musical, a seasonal caroling ensemble, solo and small ensemble opportunities, Broadway Club and the Music in the Parks competition to provide opportunities for students to practice and strengthen skills.