Elizabeth Ziegler teaches acting and costuming and is the theatre director for Stillwater High School. While she loves what she does, teaching was not always in her plan for a career.
“I didn’t know I wanted to be a teacher until I had to observe a theatre teacher for one of my college classes,” she recalled. “I was able to work with several students through that and fell in love with being able to introduce students to the world of theatre.”
Ziegler is in her fifth year of teaching at Stillwater High School. She has also taught at Liberal High School, Sublette High School, and Westwood Elementary as well.
As she looks back on her journey as a student, Elizabeth had a number of teachers that impacted her life. But she has one that is at the top of the list.
“My first drama teacher, Dan C. Schmidt, was probably my favorite teacher,” she said. “He gave me opportunities to perform as a freshman in high school and helped set the path for the performer and educator I would later become. He always had high expectations for his students but always gave us the tools to reach them. That’s something that I try to emulate now.”
As a theatre teacher, Ziegler enjoys being able to work with her students and help them hone their skills.
“I love getting to watch my students discover all that they can do,” she said. “High schoolers are amazing and to be able to work with students for three years and see them grow and deepen their knowledge and abilities is just the best. Opening nights are also always a favorite, I hand the show over to them and watch as dozens of students create the most beautiful moments.”
Elizabeth is married to her husband Matthew and they have three children; Maverick, Anslee, and Leo.
“When I am not teaching, I enjoy performing, reading, watching my sons’ basketball games, watching all of my kids perform in various capacities and hanging out with my husband.”
