Tori Ehlert ... Sixth-Grade Teacher
Since you are a new teacher at WDC this year, tell us a little about yourself?
"I grew up on a farm near Battle Lake. I am the baby of the family, with two older brothers and one older sister. I have four nephews and two nieces. I attended Battle Lake High School and then went to college at Concordia-Moorhead and played basketball for four years."
Why did you want to be a teacher? Anyone influence you?
"Ever since I was in ninth grade, I wanted to be a teacher. I was influenced by my third-grade teacher and volleyball coach, Mr. Johnson. Another huge influence was my professor/coach/friend Bob Kohler from Concordia. Mr. Kohler ALWAYS had staff and students in his office 24/7 and I wanted to be someone like that. I wanted to be a positive influence and build relationships with people the way he did."
What do you enjoy most about teaching to sixth-grade students?
"What I love most about working with the sixth-grade students is seeing their personalities shine. The more I get to know them, the more they surprise me with who they are. Their energy level definitely keeps me on my toes, too."
What has impressed you most about WDC so far?
"I've been very impressed with how helpful and inviting everyone has been. Everyone I've met and have worked with have made it a great experience so far and I'm very happy with my decision to become a part of this community."
Any pastimes or hobbies?
"I love being on the lake as much as possible in the summer. I'm a huge fan of music and movies. I like to be active and try new things, including traveling when I can. My family is a huge part of my life and we spend a lot of time together."
If you could be any sports figure for a day, who would that be and why?
"There are a lot of sports figures I'd love to be for a day, but the first one that pops in my head would be UCLA men's basketball coach John Wooden. The amount of wisdom he had for on and off the court amazes me. The people he influenced and the lives he touched is something I truly admire."