Photo by Gavin Schuna

Drommerhausen kicks off her day at school. Driven by her genuine passion for teaching and students in room D102, she’s been committed to making a difference for 50 years.

“The students are going to be leaders of tomorrow, so I always tell them. You know, they could be my boss some day. They are going to invent all of these new products. The world is a better place with all of them,” marketing teacher Debbie Drommerhausen said.              

For the past 50 years, Drommerhausen, better known as Ms. D, has taught at the high school. Initially, her career began with an internship at a downtown Minneapolis retail store, where she first entered the business world. However, after student teaching and gaining invaluable experience, she could not resist the allure of a full-time teaching opportunity.

“Everybody has a story. And patience is a virtue. Students want to be successful. And sometimes they just don’t quite know how to get there. I take pride in hoping that I help them on their journey,” Drommerhausen explained.

On average, teachers stick around for about 14 years. However, a study from the University of Pennsylvania highlights that 44% of teachers call it quits within just five years. Yet, Drommerhausen breaks this mold. Driven by her genuine passion for teaching and students in room D102, she’s been committed to making a difference for 50 years. Plus, retirement is not on her radar anytime soon.

Motivation is key for anyone who wants to have a long lasting career that they enjoy, in addition this can help avoid burnout. “I look forward to coming to school everyday. I come here on weekends to do random stuff for students when they email me. I just like coming to work. It’s fun,” Drommerhausen said.

Drommerhausen has seen a lot of changes in the students and teachers over that last 50 years. From new additions to the high school, to changes in school schedules and principals. Furthermore, through it all she still finds time to be an active participant in the community, as she often goes to sporting events where she quite frequently, runs into her students either ones she has had past or present.  In addition, often times some of her students are active participants in that activity or sporting event. One thing stays constant: her love for her students outside of school.

One of the biggest take-aways from new business teacher Travis Birklid about Drommerhausen is that her relationships with students is one of the reasons she is so successful. She also helps students learn relevant information that reflects the business and investment world.

Drommerhausen has seen hundreds, if not thousands, of students walk through her classroom doors over her 50 years of teaching. Furthermore, many of them have gone on to attend colleges everywhere. To this day, Drommerhausen still receives emails about how her teaching and marketing class has aided them in their college business courses. Moreover, they get to play the Stock Market Game. They have a lot of creative freedom within their class projects.

“She helps us out a lot as she teaches us about marketing. I feel like the world is based on marketing and the world around us and not just surrounding the business world,” junior Ayden Tran said. “We watch CNN 10 to see the current events outside of school. In addition the problems or solutions that the world is having to deal with. So it is more than just a marketing class,” senior Colin Vilme added.

“I think we all at this school make a difference for every student. You know, as I always say, they could be my boss one day. Another one of my jokes is one day I could be living with you. You never know, my line is you kill them with kindness,” Drommerhausen said.

Drommerhausen has poured immense love and effort into teaching, influencing both teachers and students from all walks of life. She has made such a positive impact on everyone who enters room D102. Furthermore, she emerges as a great role model of what a true teacher should exemplify. Moreover, the community will forever be in debt to Drommerhausen for her everlasting dedication and unwavering inspiration.