The 2023-24 school year brought a new face to McAuliffe students. Ms. McDonald is the new Physical Education teacher at McAuliffe Elementary.

Being a PE teacher is unique in that you get a chance to work with every student in the building for multiple years in a row! Erika loves that she can make a difference in children’s lives. She really enjoys seeing them smile and have fun with their peers.

Teachers are incredible leaders. They all have special gifts that make their work impactful to students. As a new staff member of the district, Ms. McDonald thinks the district does a great job of dividing staff into teams to work together and build upon their success. She does wish that there were more opportunities to interact and be more inclusive of all the teachers on more than just the staff development days.

Erika grew up and graduated from Hastings Public Schools. She attended college in Michigan but returned to Hastings after obtaining her degree. She enjoyed being a coach and really looked forward to teaching in the district that gave her so much growing up.

Ms. McDonald says that her parents are her biggest inspiration. They always encouraged her to do her absolute best and taught her that failure is okay!

Erika practices what she teaches in that she loves all things hockey! She loves spending time outdoors: camping, four-wheeling, snowmobiling and hiking. She enjoys traveling, being around her friends, attending restaurants, and attending events.

We’re lucky to have a fun-filled, dedicated teacher at McAuliffe. It’s teachers like Erika who inspire our kids long after attending elementary school. Teachers give their heart and soul to our children, and our community is better for it. Thank you, Ms. McDonald!