October Teacher Feature: Ms. Rauter

Photo submitted by Ms. Rauter.

Evan Rosenau

Helping out where she can with students around the school, Ms. Rauter is October’s Teacher Feature! Having graduated from UW-Oshkosh, she’s been with the district for 18 years. She’s been across Hamilton, Templeton, and Marcy. When Ms. Rauter isn’t the light of Hamilton, she’s spending time with her family, playing board games, biking, and baking! Read on to get some fun facts about such an amazing teacher!

What song do you know all the lyrics to?

“Ice, Ice Baby.”

What superpower would you like to have?

Time travel.

If you won 100 million dollars, what would you buy first?

A family trip to Italy.

What would your perfect room/classroom look like?

A variety of comfy seating, pillows, and Christmas lights.

Is the glass half full or half empty?

Always half full—I can find the good in ANY situation.

Are there more wheels or doors in the world?

More doors—when one closes, another one opens.

What Crayola crayon color are you? (The more specific the better!)

Sky Blue.

Favorite book?

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.

Where is your dream vacation/place to live? Are they the same?

I would love to travel to Greece and would love to live in any warm climate!

What got you interested in teaching?

I got a job as a special education paraprofessional in West Allis when I was in college. I changed majors from nursing to special education within weeks of starting this job.

Is there anything you wish you would’ve known as a first-year teacher?

Planning ahead is extremely important. Plans can change, but having a plan ahead of time (I like to be AT LEAST 3-4 days ahead in my lesson planning) can make the hardest days a bit easier.

Who has most influenced you to become an educator, and how did they influence you?

A specific student with whom I had the privilege of working during college while working as a paraprofessional influenced my decision to become a teacher more than anyone else. She never gave up and always had a smile to share, no matter the challenge she was facing. Her photo still sits on my desk at home, 22 years later.

If you weren't teaching, what would you do?

Real estate agent.

What weapon would you carry during a zombie apocalypse?

Nothing. I would not want to live during a zombie apocalypse. It is seriously my ABSOLUTE WORST FEAR.

What’s your claim to fame?

I am one of the Best Buddies advisors!

What skill would you like to master?

Golfing.

What age do you want to live to?

98.