The Milan News-Leader
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Meet the teacher: Dan Heikka
Heikka starts career in Milan schools
PUBLISHED: April 17, 2008
Name: Dan Heikka
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Age: 33
Family: Wife, Michelle; son, Zachary; and daughter, Virginia.
Education: Bachelor's degree in biology from Eastern Michigan University, master's degree cell and molecular biology from the University of Michigan.
Native of: Milan
Teacher experience: First year
School you teach: Milan High School
Grade/subject in school: Advanced Placement biology, anatomy and physiology and chemistry.
Favorite subject in school: Biology.
Least favorite subject in school: English.
Something people would be surprised to know about you: My favorite movie is "So I Married an Axe Murderer."
Most influential person in your life: My wife.
Quote to live by: "You do not need permission to do the extraordinary," unknown author; and "I want to know God's thoughts, the rest is just details," by Albert Einstein.
What do you like most about teaching?
I love the challenge of motivating kids to understand complex things.
What do you like least about teaching?
Grading papers.
What is the most challenging part about teaching?
Keep kids motivated to learn.
What are some of the goals you set for students?
I want every student to learn something. It's not important they learn everything. (High expectations).
How do you handle a disruptive student?
I ask them to stop, tell them to stop, remove them.
How do you handle a student who does not focus well?
Help them by trying to keep them engaged.
What do you tell parents about being involved in their children's education?
They must be involved. I am involved and it is their duty to be. It will only make their child perform better.
Are students feeling more pressure to succeed today?
Yes. The expectations are higher today.
Walk us through a typical day for you?
Introduce material/review of post discussions, lecture/lab or activity, closure.
How has your job changed over the years?
It's my first year, but it has softened just this year.
What do you like most about teaching in Milan?
I love the community and people. I grew up here and stayed here for that reason. It's a great district with great people.
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