Meet the Teacher Advisory Council: Mindee Calabrese of Dean Rusk MS!

The Cherokee County School District’s newly formed Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council provides educators with the opportunity to share valued feedback.  The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched!  Over the coming weeks, we'll be introducing each Council member to our community.  You can learn more about the Council and see the full list of its members online here.

Mindee Calabrese of Dean Rusk Middle School

A 15-year educator, Mindee Calabrese is a sixth-grade social studies teacher at Dean Rusk Middle School. Before joining CCSD, Ms. Calabrese taught middle school in Cobb County. Since joining CCSD, she has taught seventh- and sixth-grade English language arts and social studies at Dean Rusk MS and taken on roles supporting curriculum planning, department chair, mentoring new teachers, providing professional development to colleagues, and helping design instructional activities and station-based learning.

What inspired you to become a teacher?
I became a teacher because I wanted to make learning meaningful and accessible for all students. I’ve always enjoyed helping others understand new ideas, and teaching felt like a natural way to combine that passion with purpose. I was inspired by educators who took the time to truly know their students and made learning feel engaging, supportive, and relevant. That influence shaped the kind of teacher I strive to be. Each day, I’m motivated by the opportunity to help students build confidence, discover their strengths, and view the world through new perspectives, knowing that even small moments in the classroom can have a lasting impact.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is watching students grow — academically, socially, and personally. Seeing a student who once lacked confidence participate, take risks, and feel proud of their success is what motivates me daily. I love those moments when a concept “clicks” for a student, or when they make connections between what we’re learning in the classroom and the world around them. It’s also incredibly fulfilling to build relationships with students and watch them develop into thoughtful, curious, and capable individuals. Knowing that I have played even a small role in helping them discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and set goals for themselves makes every day in the classroom meaningful.

How do you elevate excellence in your classroom?
I elevate excellence by creating engaging, hands-on lessons that help students make real-world connections. I set clear expectations, provide consistent feedback, and build a classroom culture where students feel safe to ask questions, collaborate, and take ownership of their learning. I also use a variety of instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of my students, from interactive stations and group discussions to technology-based activities and project-based learning.
Encouraging critical thinking and curiosity is key — I challenge students to go beyond memorization and really apply their knowledge to solve problems, ask thoughtful questions, and express their ideas confidently. Additionally, I regularly reflect on my teaching practices and seek out professional development opportunities so I can bring fresh strategies and resources into the classroom, ensuring that my students always have access to high-quality, dynamic learning experiences.