German Teacher

Moin Moin! My name is Donna Orbeck I began teaching German here at Eden Valley-Watkins in 2007. I am a graduate of Minnewaska Area High School and received my degree from St. Cloud State University. I also spent a semester studying abroad in Graz, Austria with the University of Minnesota. This truly solidified my decision to major in German, and I’ve loved it ever since.

My current classes include German in levels 1 through 4 and an exploratory-level, which is taught to all 8^th graders. I thoroughly enjoy teaching about the language and culture of my ancestors. I’ve had the opportunity to travel abroad with students now for over 15 years. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing your students use the skills in which you’ve taught them out in the real world. I realize that this is something unique to my program.

Being a teacher in a small school district also means that you help out in other areas. My other responsibilities include teaching the High Ability program to students in grades 7, 8 and 9, advisor for the Senior High Student Council, as well as being the German American Partnership Program (GAPP) coordinator for our school.