By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The “Coaches in the Classroom” feature is a weekly series that spotlights and celebrates coaches throughout Portage County, who spend their days in the classrooms and hallways leading today’s student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Today’s spotlight is on first-year Field High School girls golf coach Dan Battaglia, who is also the Falcons’ junior varsity softball coach. He also teaches middle school ELA.

• School District: Field.
• How many years have you been a teacher: Starting my 12th year.
• Classes taught?: 8th Grade ELA and Announcements.
• What made you want to come an educator?: It sounds cliche, but I was inspired to pursue a profession where I could make a difference. From a young age, I envisioned myself becoming a teacher and coach, raising a family in a small town that values community and camaraderie. I’m fortunate every day to see that vision come to life at Field.
• What is your favorite part of your job?: For me, it’s the people I’m surrounded by every day. Our students at Field are so creative and engaging, and the staff at Field Middle School truly feels like a big family. In recent years, I’ve also had the opportunity to be part of a committee focused on community engagement. That work has led to events like our annual Fall Frenzy with Trunk or Treat or Falcon Family Game Night, and I’ve discovered a real passion for working in that space.
• What have you learned about being an educator that you didn’t know before you started?: One of the biggest things they don’t prepare young teachers for is how often a lesson or class will fail or need to be reworked — and that it’s completely normal and OK. This profession is all about constant growth and finding new ways to reach your goals. I’ve also learned how crucial relationships are — both with students and the adults you work alongside every day.
• Which teachers influenced you to go into education?: I had a business electives teacher in high school at Willoughby South named Mrs. Kovatch. She really pushed and challenged me. At first, I thought she sparked my interest in business, but after one college economics class, I realized it was actually her teaching that inspired me and that was where my passion was.
• How do you apply some of your coaching to the classroom?: Much like on the field or course, students are going to have both good days and bad days. Individually and as a team. What matters most is how they learn from those experiences and use them to grow.
• How do you apply some of your classroom to your coaching?: A major focus in my classroom is personalized learning. Students help design their own lessons and goals based on what they need most. I take the same approach with my athletes. Team drills are important and have their place, but every athlete benefits from individualized attention. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t serve students players well.
• Funniest thing that has ever happened to you in the classroom?: I don’t remember all the details, but early in my career, I was giving my class a tough-love speech about their effort. I felt really good about it — until I went to take a sip of coffee and the handle broke off the mug, spilling it everywhere. The room went dead silent to roaring with laughter (myself included). It humanized the moment — and honestly, it was good.
• Mentors in your building who have helped you along the way?: That’s tough because I’ve drawn inspiration from so many amazing co-workers. But my first true career mentor at Field was Denise Leek, and I wouldn’t know half of what I do about coaching without Beth Dyer.