Brunswick’s Dana Delnay: Inspiring Students by the Period
By Wade Jaskolka, BEAT reporter
BRUNSWICK, OH- We spend hours sitting in class all day, every day, but how much do we actually know about the people teaching us? Beyond the assignments and quizzes, Dana Delnay has a story that goes far beyond studying and homework.
Delnay is an 8th grade Language Arts teacher at Brunswick Middle School. This year marks the start of her 13th year of teaching. During her middle school and high school years, Delnay spent her time working with children, whether it was at camps, coaching, or even babysitting. During those years, she felt that she was in the right place, and that inspired her to become who she is today.
Delnay was also inspired by some of the teachers she had growing up. She admired the teachers who made a difference in her life, which helped her realize teaching was the right career for her. As a teacher, she hopes to be positive, enthusiastic, kind, and caring. She also wants to be creative and supportive, and she wants her students to feel comfortable being themselves.
Delnay went to the University of Mount Union. She liked the smaller school and smaller class sizes because her professors supported her when challenges came up. Her student teaching experience helped confirm that she wanted to become a teacher. She student-taught at a Canton City school that specialized in gifted students. That experience eventually led her to earn her master's degree in gifted education.
One of the most rewarding parts of teaching for Delnay is getting to know her students and watching them improve. She enjoys seeing their skills develop and their personalities grow throughout the year. She also appreciates the moments when students make her laugh or when she witnesses them being kind to one another. After nearly 13 years of teaching, she said that every group of students has given her something to appreciate.
In all, Delnay’s experiences and her entire life have led up to teaching. Every obstacle, every challenge has led her to choose child education. Delnay stated, “I guess, just stay true to yourself.”
Wade Jaskolka, Brunswick High School, is one of over fifty student “backpack journalists” (grades 6-12) in the award-winning BEAT Video Program. The program, celebrating its 25th year, is sponsored by Donut Land, Plum Creek Assisted Living Community, MODA Gifts, Scripps Howard Foundation and the Brunswick Rotary Club. Go to https://www.bcsoh.org/community/new-beat-site to learn more about the Program, or visit https://thebeat.viebit.com/?folder=ALL to view videos produced by the students.
PHOTOS: Dana Delnay.