Teacher Tuesday: Caitlin Van Cleve

Visruth Rajendiran, Staff Writer

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

A: “I’m an Ann Arbor native — I attended Wines, Forsythe, and Pioneer. I’ve spent 12 years of my life outside of Ann Arbor — 4 years at Indiana University and then 8 in Chicago where I taught social studies at Lincoln Park High School. I moved back to Ann Arbor almost 8 years ago with my daughter and husband. This is my 4th year at Huron. My daughter Maddie is now a 3rd grader in AAPS and keeps me on my toes every day.” 

 

Q: What has been your favorite part about this school year? 

A: “Most days my favorite part is being able to help my daughter with school, playing with my cat and talking to my husband throughout the day. Some days it is annoying for all of us to be together ALL THE TIME!” 

 

Q: What do you miss about Huron?

A: “The casual drop-in conversations I have with students. You don’t get those in the Zoom world. As the Peer Lab advisor, I also miss meeting with them in person and hearing about how the peers helped other students.” 

 

Q: What is one goal you have for this year?

A: “Get all my seniors to the graduation finish line!” 

 

Q: What is your favorite class and why?

A: “My favorite class to teach was AP Psychology! I haven’t taught in 8 years now and there are some days I miss the discussions and the lightbulb moments where kids learn something new about human behavior and can apply it to their own lives.” 

 

Q: What hobbies/sports do you do?

A: “I enjoy being active — jogging/walking / rollerblading / doing workout videos almost every day. I’m an avid reader and have been in a book club for most of my adult life. I’m also a PBS dork and like British drama such as ‘Call the Midwife,’ ‘Downton Abbey,’ and ‘Poldark’ and documentaries.’”