Who We Are
Voices of DSHA
Embodying the Teacher-Student Friendship | Q & A with Newly Retired Social Studies Faculty Sue Goulee
Newly retired Social Studies Faculty Sue Goulee has been a warm presence in the classroom and halls of DSHA for over two decades. Always thinking of her students, she is passionate about having a positive relationship with the girls she teaches—especially her freshman students—and helping young women see the history around them. From her shoe collection to her energy in the classroom, she is a beloved teacher by many. Although Goulee retired from teaching following the end of the 2020-21 school year, she is still involved in the planning and communication areas of the Freshman Wellness Seminar program and is a substitute at DSHA.
Q: Why were you passionate about teaching social studies?
A: Back in college, I loved the teaching style and personality of my history professor. I did not like history classes in high school, but one professor can make a difference and turn it around. I hope to do that for my students. Turn them into life-long lovers of history. To help them not see it as a dead subject but understand where we were and where we are going.
Q: What was your favorite social studies class to teach and why?
A: My favorite was Cultures and Civilizations with freshmen, for two reasons. First, I love the variety of topics covered. It opens the eyes of students that history is not just European-centered. Amazing accomplishments have occurred around the world. I enjoy teaching freshmen also. They are fresh at DSHA; they are excited to be in a new chapter of their lives; and I love to see them grow academically, spiritually, and personally.
Q: You are known for having a display of Time Magazine covers wallpapering the inside of your classroom. Why was this something you wanted to share with students?
A: The reason I started doing that is because it helps students to see history is being made while we are living. We obviously think of what’s happening in our personal timeline as current events, but current events become history. Time marches on, and what was happening while they were in high school is going to become a part of history textbooks in the future.
Q: You were a part of the group that first discussed designing the Marian Scholars inclusive program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. What was it like for the first year of the program to overlap with your last year at DSHA?
A: I truly do see shoes as works of art. When you think of it, a shoe is a wearable form of sculpture. The styles and colors that we each select are reflections of what we find beautiful. I am drawn to shoes that lift my spirits when I wear them.
A: My last year was a unique one, with the hybrid model and a pandemic going on. I was nervous before the school year started and I was afraid I would not meet the needs of Mia (Ruge, DSHA ’24, DSHA’s first Marian Scholar) because I did not know the best strategies or methodology in the classroom in that unique situation. However, I can say that Mia was the shining spot of my last year. She brought such joy and unconditional love and happiness to my classroom every day. It’s not about methodology or strategy, it’s about the strong relationship and special bond we created. I am so grateful for that.
Q: You are also known for your colorful, unique shoe collection. Why do you love shoes?
A: I truly do see shoes as works of art. When you think of it, a shoe is a wearable form of sculpture. The styles and colors that we each select are reflections of what we find beautiful. I am drawn to shoes that lift my spirits when I wear them.
Q: What does it mean to you to have worked at a school where the Catholic, Salvatorian mission is at the forefront?
A: I have the utmost respect for the Salvatorians and their mission. As part of Freshman Wellness Seminar, we take a tour of the SDS Community House. I love to share with the students the role of the sisters in promoting social justice. To be associated with an institution that lives the charisms of the Sisters of the Divine Savior and helps to impart them on the lay community is an honor.
A: Two years ago, my mother passed away and it was a difficult time. On my first day back in the classroom, my first hour class had an array of gifts for me to show their love and support. One memorable gift was a little box that had personal messages of support from each girl in the class. That was so important for me to be able to move forward on that first day back.
Q: What is your favorite DSHA memory?
A: Two years ago, my mother passed away and it was a difficult time. On my first day back in the classroom, my first hour class had an array of gifts for me to show their love and support. One memorable gift was a little box that had personal messages of support from each girl in the class. That was so important for me to be able to move forward on that first day back.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
A: When you’re a teacher, you are not aware of the fact that you are aging, because the students in front of you are the same age and you don’t see the progression of time in yourself. I want to thank all of my students for helping to make me feel young, valued, and appreciated.
SUE GOULEE AT-A-GLANCE:
Years teaching at DSHA: 25
Classes taught:
Co-curriculars moderated: Blood drive, as part of Student Council
What she will miss most at DSHA, besides her students: Her amazing colleagues who were energizing and supportive in ways she cannot repay; the close bond of the DSHA Social Studies Department; and the daily contact with inspirational colleagues.
Favorite quote: “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.” – Elphaba and Glinda from Wicked
Family: Husband, James; 2 daughters; and grandson Charlie
Education: BA in History, Minor in Psychology and Secondary Education, Marquette University
MRS. GOULEE, THANK YOU FOR...
“... always being there for me during some very hard times. You were the most amazing teacher. You always wanted the best for us and always wanted us to succeed. I know I could always count on you to help me academically and I know you impacted not just my life, but the lives of all your students. I knew that I could always count on you and your kindness.”
SUE GOULEE AT-A-GLANCE:
Years teaching at DSHA: 25
Classes taught:
• Cultures and Civilizations
• U.S. History
• Behavioral Science
• Freshman Wellness Seminar
Co-curriculars moderated: Blood drive, as part of Student Council
What she will miss most at DSHA, besides her students: Her amazing colleagues who were energizing and supportive in ways she cannot repay; the close bond of the DSHA Social Studies Department; and the daily contact with inspirational colleagues.
Favorite quote: “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.” – Elphaba and Glinda from Wicked
Family: Husband, James; 2 daughters; and grandson Charlie
Education: BA in History, Minor in Psychology and Secondary Education, Marquette University
MRS. GOULEE, THANK YOU FOR...
“... always being there for me during some very hard times. You were the most amazing teacher. You always wanted the best for us and always wanted us to succeed. I know I could always count on you to help me academically and I know you impacted not just my life, but the lives of all your students. I knew that I could always count on you and your kindness.”
– Gabi Banda, DSHA ’23
Divine Savior Holy Angels High School
Sponsored by the Sisters of the Divine Savior
© 2017 Divine Savior Holy Angels High School. All Rights Reserved