Hattie Dornbush
Elementary Teacher
Bachelor of Arts, Language Arts, Aquinas College
Mrs. Dornbush teaches second grade at Michigan Connections Academy. With over 14 years of experience, Mrs. Dornbush is no stranger to the online classroom. She’s been with Michigan Connections Academy since 2014. Mrs. Dornbush shares more below.
Why I Became A Teacher
My grandma taught for 30 years at an elementary school in Lansing, Michigan. I would go with her each year on the "take your child to work day" and help her in her classroom on weekends. She really instilled in me a love for learning and teaching from an early age. I always wanted to be a teacher and follow in her footsteps.
The Online School Experience
The biggest benefit to teaching at Michigan Connections Academy is the amount of collaboration that occurs. I love the Learning Coach involvement and the critical role that plays in helping students succeed. I love having a team of amazing educators to work with and help guide instruction, analyze data, and share best practices. When I was a brick-and-mortar school teacher, I would have conferences twice a year and not a lot of participation. At Michigan Connections Academy, I am communicating with families constantly and can work with students one-on-one as well as communicating with Learning Coaches at least twice a month.
The most important thing to me as a teacher is having time with students. In elementary, we host whole-group, small-group, and one-on-one LiveLesson® sessions with our students. During our lessons, we prioritize participation and interaction with webcams and microphones. I also incorporate opportunities for students to share throughout the year in our LiveLesson room and to get peer feedback and praise.
My Interests
I am a mom of five! I love wrestling and football (Go Blue!). I enjoy decorating for and celebrating holidays—especially Christmas—going to concerts, and traveling.
"Students learn many valuable life skills here at Michigan Connections Academy, such as time-management, organization, a strong work ethic, creating schedules, being self-motivated, asking for help and support when needed, and being in charge of their own learning."
— Ms. Dornbush