Erica Muehlhauser has worked in education for 14 years. She is an instructional coach for kindergarten to fifth grade in the Holly Area Schools district.
Tell us about a rewarding moment you’ve had with your students.
There is so much joy in the “aha” moments, when a concept finally just clicks. I love the honesty kids bring, they’ll tell you their entire life story before morning announcements. My absolute favorite time of the day is when students are arriving to school. I love greeting them in the hallway on their way to breakfast and seeing former students who still run up to give me hugs and who yell “Mrs. M.” like I am a celebrity.
When did you know you want to be a teacher?
I have wanted to be a teacher as long as I can remember. Honestly, I don’t think there was ever any other options. I have always enjoyed working with kids. When I was little my grandma had a playroom for all of the grandkids. She had a giant chalkboard that leaned against the wall. I always found it so much fun to teach my cousins. It must have worked for my cousins too because three of us became teachers.
What is your favorite thing about working in this area?
I love Holly. While I did not grow up here, all of my family has lived in Holly farther back than my great grandpa’s time. There is just something special about the area! It feels good to give back to a town that my family helped build. I guess it kind of just feels like home. If you have lived in Holly a long time, you know the Striggow family.
What is one thing you would tell someone to inspire them to pursue teaching as a profession?
Building relationships is the most important thing you can do when you start any year of teaching. I love this quote, “Don’t just teach lessons. Teach students. The impact you have will echo for generations.” -unknown