Daniel Hoppe has always strived to do his civic duty and now he’s making sure future generations do, too, as he helps them become productive citizens.
Hoppe is now in his seventh year as a social studies teacher at Caliche Jr./Sr. High. He likes the school because of its rural setting and the fact that it’s small, allowing him to get to know all the students and families and establish relationships with them.
His inspiration for becoming a social studies teacher came partly from his parents, who “really emphasized doing your civic duty.” But also when he was in college he studied U.S. history and was involved in youth groups, and through that he found his passion: “doing my civic duty and trying to help students become productive citizens.”
His favorite part of the job is working with the kids and interacting with them in class.
There’s no question he chose the right path.
“Mr. Hoppe is a great teacher. He is fair with all of his students and always ensures they have a complete understanding of what they are learning. Mr. Hoppe keeps his students engaged and offers brain breaks throughout his classes,” said one of his Crystal Apple Award nominators, Haley Ralston.
Another nominator, Annette Virgilio, said “he not only goes above and beyond with his students to make sure they get the most out of their education with him,” but also helps his colleagues learn things as well. “Not only is he an amazing teacher, I have never seen him get mad at his students. He has never in my presence even raised his voice to a student. He is the kindest person I have ever met and makes everyone feel so special.”
A third award nominator, Crystal Jo Bruns, said he goes above and beyond for his students.
“He creates an environment in the classroom that makes kids want to learn,” she said.
As part of his teaching style, Hoppe allows his students to submerse themselves into history and government by doing a lot of simulations. You can often find his students role-playing things like the Continental Congress or congressional hearings, not only because it’s fun and the students enjoy it but because it gives them a little bit more real-world practice too.
“They get to interact with each other, they have to collaborate with each other and they have to use what they learned in class to actually perform, so it’s kind of a fun way for the students to learn,” he said.
According to Bruns, Hoppe’s classes have a lasting impact on his students, with some of them so inspired by him that they are pursuing a degree to follow in his footsteps as a history teacher.
Hoppe also stepped in to become Caliche’s digital art instructor when he saw the need for students to have more elective options.
“The crafts his students produce through 3-D printing, vinyl decal work, and more are amazing. He pushes his students to be creative and think outside of the box. He supports their ideas and makes them feel like they can accomplish anything they set their minds to,” Bruns said.
Hoppe admits digital art was a bit “outside of his wheelhouse” when he first started, but says he has enjoyed learning how to do the different projects that are part of the STEM (science, technology, math and engineering) maker space class and teaching the students.
“It’s been rewarding and fun to do that.,” he said.
Additionally, he works tirelessly as Caliche High School’s Student Council advisor.
“He holds his council to the highest standards. He encourages those involved in the council to be inspiring leaders for Caliche. He provides them with endless opportunities to prove to themselves and their school the leaders they can truly be,” Bruns said.
Hoppe says he enjoys working with the student leaders and executing the big events they put on and is excited to revamp the council into a class next year, focusing more on leadership.
“Hopefully that will have an impact on the school culture as well,” he said.
Not only does Hoppe do all the things mentioned above without blinking an eye, but Bruns shared that he often works in the background and allows other staff and students to take the spotlight.
“Dan is one of the kindest souls you will ever get the pleasure of knowing. He inspires me daily. His dedication to Caliche is something to behold. I can not think of a better person to win the Crystal Apple Award,” Bruns said.
