Teacher Spotlight on Dana Oshinski
Birthplace: Atlanta, GA
Title/Responsibilities: PreK4 Teacher/Supervisor PreK/Kindergarten
Education: BS early childhood education from West Georgia College (now the University of West Georgia)
How long have you been teaching at Pinecrest? I’m entering my 16th year.
What inspired you to be a Catholic school teacher? I had worked in inner city schools for three years (one in Jacksonville, FL and two in Baton Rouge, LA) and simply felt a calling to do more than what I could do in public schools. I knew God’s hand was leading this path when, in my first year of teaching at St. George in Baton Rouge, a father walked into my classroom whom I had met on a plane on my first trip to Louisiana three years earlier. At that time, he had given me his card (which I had thrown away) and said, “If you ever decide you want to teach in a Catholic school, we have a good one.” I wasn’t even Catholic at the time. I love God stories!
What inspired you to be a Catholic school teacher? I had worked in inner city schools for three years (one in Jacksonville, FL and two in Baton Rouge, LA) and simply felt a calling to do more than what I could do in public schools. I knew God’s hand was leading this path when, in my first year of teaching at St. George in Baton Rouge, a father walked into my classroom whom I had met on a plane on my first trip to Louisiana three years earlier. At that time, he had given me his card (which I had thrown away) and said, “If you ever decide you want to teach in a Catholic school, we have a good one.” I wasn’t even Catholic at the time. I love God stories!
What do you love most about teaching at Pinecrest? The love and happiness everyone seems to have here. Most people can’t say, “When I’m having a bad day, I want to go to work,” but I can! Also, the fact that I get to teach children about our wonderful God and the love that Jesus has for them is a true gift.
How do you unwind after a day of teaching? Playing the piano is always relaxing to me. I spent years watching my own children play sports in the afternoons and evenings, so after a year of being an empty nester, I’m exploring word puzzles, Pinterest, motivation to exercise and to be outside. My ultimate “go to” is cooking and home renovation shows.
What’s your favorite way of getting students’ attention or settling a class down? My favorite is the “stand up/sit down” game. So simple, but it really regroups children’s minds when they begin to wander; plus, it gets them moving and laughing which is always fun for us all.
What learning styles do you see that are different between girls and boys? Definitely the need for movement for the boys and the need to talk for the girls. Boys, especially, need to get their whole body involved in the lesson for it to really connect, while girls can visualize through verbal activities more easily.
What’s your favorite book and why? I just finished reading The Servant, by James C. Hunter, and it has quickly become one of my favorite reads of all time. Dr. Lindekugel had all of our administrative leadership team read it in preparation for the upcoming school year. Although it is sold as a “leadership” book, the discussions between the characters (all being “sent” on a retreat by those near to them) led me to see how all relationships (work, marriage, friend, parent/child) have to be built upon trust, respect, humility and authenticity. I think it is a MUST READ for everyone, as it shows that the “Golden Rule” can work and isn’t just a “feel good” idea!
Learn more about our award-winning Pre-K program.
Learn more about our award-winning Pre-K program.
