Teacher Feature: Mary Pfanstiel, Neligh-Oakdale

Where did you graduate from high school? What year? I graduated in 1981 from Orchard Public Schools.

College & Degree:
MSE (Master of Science in Education)- Wayne State College, 1995
BFAE (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Education) – Wayne State College, 1990
Associate of Arts – Colorado Mountain College, Leadville, Co, 1986

What places have you taught? I have been teaching art for 28 years with 27 years at Neligh-Oakdale Public Schools.  My first year of teaching I was the Elementary Art Consultant for Belleview Public Schools; this was a wonderful opportunity, but teaching 500-1000 different students every week was not for me!

What subject/class do you teach?
I teach a K-12 art program.  All elementary students have art once a week, the 7th and 8th grade classes have an Art Exploratory class for 9 weeks and the high school students are offered Art I, Art II, Advanced Art and Art History & Criticism.

What is your favorite part of teaching?
I have an amazing job that allows me to work with all students K-12.  I love being able to work with students as they develop and strengthen their artistic skills; every day I learn something new from my students and those moments are what keep me coming back!  When my love of art shows up in their excitement as we study and create art, then I have hit upon the best part of teaching. That gleam of pride, joy and satisfaction is wonderful!
 
What are most excited about for 2017-18 school year?
This past year has been a difficult one; I am excited about being able to spend the extra time with my students so we can accomplish so much more.  

Do you have any extracurricular activities you are in charge of? (explain if yes)
I have been a Junior class sponsor for 27 years too.  Who would have ever thought I would still be going to Junior/Senior Proms at my age!

What are your classroom goals for the year?
My yearly goals are to continue developing lesson plans and projects to further advance each student’s ability.  Art is more than just making art; it helps to foster opportunities for creativity. I can see how it interacts with all the other disciplines and it is up to me to provide the balance and depth to create a well-rounded artist.  

What brought you to teach here?
My first teaching job did not give me the opportunity to really know my students or even the teachers, so when the Neligh-Oakdale job opened up I knew I needed to apply and see if it would be a good fit.  This job allowed me to move closer to my family and I get to watch my nephews and nieces grow up. This was the best decision I ever made!

Can you tell me a little bit about your family?
I have been married for 15 years to Tim; we have 2 dogs, Jasper and Freckles.

What are your hobbies?
My all-time favorite hobby is working in my yard where I get to design with plants, flowers, posts, stones, and lots of discarded items.  Naturally, I have quite a collection of unfinished art projects, so once I retire I am going to be a full time artist!