Union High School English teacher Chloe Zoellner sees her classroom as a place where the future quite literally sits in front of her. Around eight years into her career, she said she chose education when she realized “nothing in the world would allow me to crack as many jokes during a regular day schedule” and that “no corporate job would ever be as satisfying as getting to know our future sitting in the desks in front of me.”
Zoellner teaches 12th grade English at Union High School, where she also serves as the instructional team lead and builds curriculum, including the school’s Creative Writing class. Beyond lesson plans and essays, she pours energy into school culture, helping lead the “Sunshine Committee,” which partners with local businesses to provide treats and sponsor games that boost teacher morale.
Recently named a finalist for both Union’s District Teacher of the Year and High School Teacher of the Year, Zoellner called the honor “something very special.” “To be a finalist for District TOY is a huge honor because the teacher population at Union is so incredible,” she said, adding that she is “humbled and motivated everyday” by colleagues she describes as “creative, caring, and passionate about their classrooms.”
Her students know her as loud, energetic and all-in. “Every student should know that, yes, I am always ‘like this,’” Zoellner said. “I am loud and passionate, but it comes from a deep joy for the profession and my students. They will also complain about the work they have to do but will be laughing the whole time doing it!”
Zoellner said her favorite classroom moments come when students teach her something or when a piece of literature suddenly feels like it is “holding secrets for them to discover about our future.” Outside school, she runs and competes in triathlons, bakes, writes occasionally and spends time outdoors with her family and their chickens.
To Union seniors, Zoellner offers both challenge and encouragement. “I can’t make life easy for you,” she tells them. “You have to believe you are worth the smart risks and the right decisions. I believe in you—and soon, it will be your turn to believe in yourself.”
