Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of Lansing USD469. This section celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive.
Christine Bachtel, Lansing Elementary School Counselor
Question: How long have you worked in Lansing USD 469?
Answer: Since August 2006. This is my 20th year.
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: This year is my 28th year in education. I started my career as a kindergarten teacher in a different district. I have been a kindergarten teacher, 1st grade teacher and 2nd grade teacher. I came to Lansing in 2006 as a 1st grade teacher and stayed in that role for 12 years. The last 8 years I have been a school counselor at Lansing Elementary School.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: My absolute favorite thing about my role is the opportunity I have to connect with students. While, overall, my role is to support student success, I also get the opportunity to be a student's cheerleader. I am often supporting kids through a variety of challenges through small groups, individual work, as well as teaching classroom lessons.
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: When I am not working, I love to spend time with my husband and our 4 young adult children. Some of our favorite things are hiking, playing games and watching movies or tv together. While I cherish any moments I can get to have our family all together, I do also enjoy quiet time reading a good book.
Question: What is something unusual about you that most people don't know?
Answer: Most people do not know that I am musically inclined. I played the violin for most of my childhood and have been a part of a show choir.
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: I have had so many heartwarming or memorable experiences over the last 28 years. As a school counselor, I get to experience these moments almost every day. It warms my heart when students get excited about mastering a skill we've been working on and can't wait to tell me, when they seek me out to share the good things happening in their lives, or when a teacher or parent reaches out to let me know a student is using a new strategy. I really do have the best job!
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: My advice to students is simple: Don't be afraid to make mistakes - they help us learn and get better. Most importantly, be kind, and always strive to be the friend you would want to have.