Haley Zerlaut
Teaching Role
4th Grade Math, ELA, and Social Studies
School District
Fremont Public Schools
2026 Lake Superior State University graduate and a member of Talent Together’s first cohort, Haley is now teaching 4th grade at Fremont Public Schools, where she too spent her k-12 journey.
What initially inspired you to become a teacher?
Becoming a teacher has been my dream since I was young. I always loved my teachers and school experiences. Growing up with both my father and grandmother as teachers helped inspire my passion for education. I chose this career because I enjoy working with kids, and I want to help create a positive and memorable school experience for them.
Since completing Talent Together, how has your role as an educator or your career responsibilities evolved?
Over the past few years, I have worked in education as a substitute teacher and apprentice teacher. Since completing the Talent Together program, I have been fortunate enough to be hired as an elementary teacher in the district where I went to school and served as an apprentice teacher. I will be teaching fourth grade, focusing on math, ELA, and social studies, while my students will visit my partner teacher for science instruction. I will have the privilege of working with approximately 24 students this school year. I can’t wait to meet them and begin our journey together!
How did the apprenticeship prepare you to step into your own classroom?
The apprenticeship experience allowed me to learn from an experienced teacher while also gaining confidence in my own teaching abilities. Working alongside a veteran teacher allowed me to ask questions and try new things, knowing that she was there to support me along the way
What are some routines and instructional activities you learned in your apprenticeship that you are planning to implement in your classroom?
Although my apprenticeship was completed in a first grade classroom, and I will now be teaching fourth grade, many lessons from my mentor teacher will continue to guide me. I learned the importance of being well prepared, creating structured routines, and establishing clear expectations for students.
What advice would you give to Teacher Candidates who are just entering the program?
- Be willing to take risks and step outside your comfort zone. Your apprenticeship year is the perfect time to try new things while having the support of your mentor teacher.
- Remember that you are not expected to be perfect. It is okay to make mistakes, pause mid-lesson, and make adjustments. Growth as a teacher comes from a willingness to reflect and continuously seek ways to improve.
- Learn from your mentor teacher while also remembering that every teacher does things a little bit differently. You may not always teach the same way as your mentor, and that’s okay. You can use your mentor’s guidance and experience to help you grow while still developing your own teaching style.
- Be patient with yourself, and avoid comparing yourself to more experienced teachers. You are still learning!
