Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Alyssa Busse - Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders Through Impactful Teaching

We are thrilled to spotlight one of our exceptional educators, who brings passion, kindness, and innovation into her classroom every day. Meet Mrs. Alyssa Busse, a teacher with a profound dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering a positive learning environment. 

From a young age, Mrs. Busse knew that teaching was her calling. Growing up with two younger brothers, she found herself constantly teaching and helping them learn, which ignited her desire to become a teacher. She pursued her dream at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, graduating with a degree in Unified Early Childhood General and Special Education. 

Mrs. Busse began her teaching journey as an early childhood special education teacher. After two years, she transitioned to the 4YK classroom at St. Francis School. At that time, our school was also in need of a physical education and technology teacher. She wholeheartedly took on those roles, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to our students. Her mornings are dedicated to 4YK, while her afternoons are spent teaching P.E. to grades K-5 and technology for grades 2-5. 

At the core of Mrs. Busse's teaching philosophy is "kindness first, always." In her 4YK class, the number one rule is to be kind to both themselves and others. She believes that focusing on kindness helps students develop essential life skills and sets them up for success. As students progress, she raises expectations and helps them understand how their actions can lead to reactions and consequences. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of Mrs. Busse's job is witnessing shy and reserved students blossom throughout the school year. She cherishes those moments when a student begins to feel comfortable and open up in the classroom. 

Mrs. Busse's teaching philosophy closely aligns with St. Francis School's mission and values. She prioritizes moral development by treating each student as a unique individual and emphasizing the importance of mutual respect. Her approach not only makes students feel valued but also teaches them the significance of reciprocating respect to maintain a positive learning environment. 

An unintentional initiative sparked by Mrs. Busse was her offer of hugs to students in need. This simple gesture spread throughout the school, resulting in lots of daily hugs – a heartwarming testament to the caring atmosphere she cultivates. Mrs. Busse is also known for her innovative teaching methods. She creates a love for learning by incorporating student interests into her lessons. Whether it's a favorite toy in 4YK or trivia games in technology classes, she ensures that every student has something to look forward to at school.

Given her role working with multiple grade levels, Mrs. Busse frequently collaborates with other teachers. This collaboration enhances the learning experience, connecting classroom activities and projects across subjects. She also maintains open communication with parents through newsletters and emails, celebrating students' successes. 

In addition to her diverse teaching roles, Mrs. Busse enjoys the privilege of working with a wide range of students. This variety challenges her as a teacher and allows her to see her students grow and develop year after year. Her dedication aligns perfectly with St. Francis School's mission and vision, nurturing respectful and empathetic young leaders for the future. 

We are immensely grateful for Mrs. Busse’s contributions to St. Francis School. Her unwavering commitment to kindness, character development, and fostering a love for learning is truly inspirational. Join us in celebrating Mrs. Busse for the remarkable educator she is, shaping the future of our students one kind act at a time.