About Linda Hochstetler

Originally from Indianapolis -I  grew up in a family of all brothers. My dad was a physician/teacher, and my mom was a nurse. I was a swimmer, runner, and basketball player up until college.  I graduated from IU in Bloomington then went on to Indiana University School of Medicine. I completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Nephrology and was on staff at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for two years. In Iowa, my husband Jerry and I started our family – coming back to Indiana with three kids and kid # 4 on the way. I was in a Nephrology private practice group for several years, had child #5, then decided to leave my practice to take care of my children. I volunteered at the older children's Montessori School and soon thereafter, got Montessori training and became a full time 4th -6th grade teacher. Following that, along with Eliza Stoltzfus, I started the 4th and 5th grade at Bethany. I have been at Bethany ever since that time. I have been married 32 years and have five kids, all of whom graduated from Bethany. My favorite things to do are spending time with my kids when they are home, reading, walking, pilates, and teaching. 

What is your philosophy of teaching?

Learning how to collaborate, critically and creatively think, and persevere are things that I think are important about teaching. While content is important, how to evaluate, use, and share that content is also important. I strive to connect with children and have a relationship through which I can model these things. I am a big believer in education being student centered. 

What kind of classroom experience do you try to create for your students?

Hands-on, creative, practical, immersive, fun? , a safe place to make mistakes.

How do you keep students engaged in their learning experience?

Hands-on, student-centered, choices, gamification, creative opportunities.

What qualities or life skills do you wish to impart to your students?

Perseverance, critical thinking, caring, respect/acceptance for everyone.

What fuels your passion and drive to be an educator?

The relationships that I have with the kids.

When you aren't teaching, what can we find you doing?

Working on upcoming lessons! I also enjoy exercising and reading. If my kids are around - I will be wherever they are – or visiting them!