Zebra print is predominant in Liesel Powicki’s office, but the pictures of her daughters are what really pop out when you enter the room.

Powicki was an adjunct instructor last year at WSC. Now she is midway through her first year as an interim instructor in the School of Education and Counseling.

She isn’t the only Powicki working at WSC. Her husband Mike is the athletic director.

Their family spends a lot of spare time going to athletic events, cheering on the Wildcats in all their endeavors.

Before their lives in Wayne, the Powicki family moved around the Midwest.

“We have moved around a bit for my husband’s job, but my main teaching experiences started in Iowa,” Powicki said. “I was a classroom teacher there for five years before moving to Mankato, Minn. In Mankato, I was a literacy specialist for two years and taught adjunct for Minnesota State University-Mankato for another year.”

Powicki takes pride in helping students.

“I like to help students learn, ensure learning for all and I like to help with the reading process,” Powicki said.

She teaches classes in literacy assessment, reading, writing and clinical experience for students before student teaching.

Powicki herself is still continuing her education.

“I have an elementary education degree with early childhood endorsement from the University of Iowa and a MEd with a reading endorsement from Upper Iowa University,” Powicki said. “I will be starting my doctorate at Concordia University-Chicago in the fall.”

Powicki helps students reach their maximum potential.

“I think our fundamental purpose as teachers is to help our students learn at high levels. Now I have shifted that purpose to help college students become teachers,” Powicki said, “and help them with the reading process, because that is where it all begins.”

She brings more than textbook learning into her classroom.

“I try to teach my students what it is like in the real world of teaching, and I want to expose them to authentic learning opportunities in the classroom.”