Mr. Blum and Mrs. Dostal End Their Student Teaching Term for Leigh Elementary
Launch the media gallery 1 playerBy: Kennedy Settje, a senior at Leigh High School
It seems like just yesterday Leigh Elementary welcomed two new faces to the
elementary hallways. These two faces were student teachers Connor Blum and Stephanie
Dostal. They have been a great addition to Leigh this spring semester, but sadly, the week of
April 25 marked the end of their time at Leigh.
Mrs. Stephanie Dostal has been the student teacher for the 6th grade class. She shares
a classroom with Melissa Brabec.
Mrs. Dostal will graduate from Wayne State College this spring with a degree in
Elementary Education. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her family and friends, as
well as teaching dance, crafting, and baking.
After this year, she plans on continuing to teach in Leigh as the Reading Intervention
Para! Next year, she also plans on getting involved in the school by starting up the Patriot
dance and cheer team again. They will begin practicing this summer!
When asked how her experience at Leigh has been, Dostal said, “I have loved every
minute of student teaching. All the staff and students have been so welcoming, and I have
enjoyed getting to know everyone. It makes me that much more excited for next year and
continuing to grow those relationships with those in Leigh.”
Mr. Connor Blum student teaches for the 4th grade class. Mrs. Robin Urban is his
cooperating teacher. He graduated high school from Howells-Dodge, and will be graduating
from Wayne State College with a degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in
coaching.
Some things that he enjoys doing outside of school are playing a variety of sports such
as basketball, golf, bowling, and volleyball. He also enjoys being outside, fishing, and binge-
watching Netflix.
After this year, he will travel 6 miles down the road to teach 4th-6th grade math and
science at Clarkson Public Schools.
Mr. Blum even had the pleasure of helping coach golf for Clarkson-Leigh. Next year, he
will be coaching junior high football and be an assistant coach for the Patriot high school
basketball team.
Connor has also really enjoyed his experience at Leigh this semester.
“My experience here this semester has been a fantastic one. I have had the pleasure of
meeting some really great teachers, faculty members, and students along with having the
opportunity to teach some fantastic students in the fourth and fifth grade. I have learned some
really great and important things that I hope to carry into my own classroom next year.”
We are excited to keep Mrs. Dostal with us next year as a para, and are happy to have
Mr. Blum continue to be part of the Patriot family!
We congratulate them both and wish them the best of luck next year!