Today, we will recognize another teacher, this time, from the Business Department. While it is usually a Teacher Tuesday, today is a Teacher Thursday due to the short week we had and all the ACTs.
Bastian is in her 12th year of teaching and her fourth year at Columbus High School. “Over the years, I have taught a variety of math, business, and technology courses, including 6th–8th grade Mathematics, Computer Literacy, Keyboarding, Careers, Computer Applications, Information Technology, Computer Science, Personal Finance, and Introduction to Business,” says Bastian. Here, she teaches Keyboarding, Introduction to Business, Information Technology 1 & 2, Web Design, and Entrepreneurship. Her favorite class to teach is Information Technology because “…students get to be creative, apply real-world skills, and earn nationally recognized certifications that give them an advantage beyond high school.
I asked the question, “Why teaching, and why business?” Bastian responded with “I chose teaching because I love helping students grow and realize what they are capable of. I chose business because it is everywhere; no matter what career students pursue, these skills will benefit them in real, practical ways.”
What Bastian loves most about the Business Department is how relevant and fast-paced it is. She stated, “Business is constantly evolving, and it allows students to be creative, think critically, and connect what they are learning to the real world; not just in the future, but right now.”
Bastian graduated from high school here at CHS, earned her associate’s degree at CCC, and completed her Bachelor of Science in Education and Human Services at UNL, along with a teaching certificate in Business, Marketing, and Information Technology. She later earned her Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Business and Information Technology Education from Wayne State College.
Outside of school, Bastian loves to spend time with her twin boys, who keep her life busy and fun. She also enjoys activities or projects that allow her creative freedom, and she simply keeps active.
Finally, Bastian is passionate about giving students opportunities to gain real-world skills, especially through hands-on projects and industry certifications. These are experiences that all students should value and look forward to gaining. “There is nothing better than seeing students build confidence and succeed in ways they did not expect,” explains Bastian.
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