South High School teacher Courtney Runge loves interacting with students and learning their stories.
Why did Runge decide to become a teacher? “I enjoy working with people on a regular basis, and teaching allows me to do this. I also love to learn and help others learn new things along the way,” she said. “Teaching allows me to learn new things about my students on a daily basis whether it’s the new lingo, something about their culture, a random fact or some pop culture. Plus, in teaching, no two days are the same. Students are always throwing surprises our way and are always keeping us on our toes,” she added.
Runge, who has taught at South for eight and a half years, currently teaches English 7-8, writing skills and writing review.
Runge said her favorite part of teaching is interacting with students daily and learning their stories. “I am a people person through and through, and this job allows me to work with people every single day.”
This summer, Runge said she traveled to Texas to visit her younger brother, who is stationed there for the U.S. Army, along with his family. She also said she “spent lots of time with my kids trying all sorts of things in Omaha. We regularly went to the zoo, safari park, Children’s Museum, indoor play places, parks and splash pads.”
She added that summer break is “when I get to be with my kids the most and give them my complete, undivided attention. One of the many perks of teaching is getting the summers off to do these things.”
Runge also had some advice for seniors.
In terms of English, Runge said she encourages students to take as much away from the classroom as they can.
“Despite what most students believe, you will use the skills you learn in English class on a regular basis. In the future, you will have to be able to read critically to understand a job contract, you will send emails and write to employers and will want to sound educated and be taken seriously, and you will have to communicate with others on a regular basis,” she said.
As for outside the classroom, Runge said she encourages students to enjoy their final year of public school.
“After graduation, things get a little bit more real as you take the next steps in your life and gain more responsibilities. Enjoy this year with those around you, and make as many memories as you can with them,” she said.
“Say ‘yes’ to doing things that are out of your comfort zone, and soak in all the fun that comes with being a senior.”
