White County has a new Director of Elementary Curriculum in the District Office. Danette Hasek, assistant principal of Mossy Creek Elementary School, will begin her new role on July 1, 2024.
“I am elated about my new role at the county office. My new responsibilities will cover Pre-K to fifth-grade content and gifted education,” Hasek said with enthusiasm.
Hasek is no stranger to education. She has worked in various roles for 32 years, starting as a private music teacher during the day and a second violin coach for an Orchestra in Las Vegas, NV by night. Her next opportunity landed her in Illinois where she was hired by an educational store to read every instructional book on their shelves. Hasek recalls, “I prepared quick points on each book and how it would benefit an educator.”
She moved with her family in 2004 to Georgia where she was hired as a classroom teacher for Forsyth County Schools. Two years ago, Hasek moved to Cleveland, Georgia, and was hired by White County Schools, where she has served as Mossy Creek’s assistant principal.
Education
In 2002, Hasek received her Bachelor of Science PK-8 Education Degree from Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois. She graduated Cum Laude with a GPA of 3.8.
Afterward, in 2012 she finished her K-12 Master of Education, her Education Leadership and Administration Principal and Administrator Licensure with a 4.0 GPA, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Jones International University.
In 2021, she graduated from Kennesaw State University, in Kennesaw, Georgia, with her Ed.S Teacher Leadership with a 4.0 GPA.
Family
Hasek met her husband in college and the two have been together for 34 years. They share 3 adult children with three wonderful spouses, whom Hasek says they claim as their own. There are three grandchildren and another on the way in May.
The District Office
“White County Schools are moving in an exciting direction with literacy and math. I hope to continue the momentum in which our county is moving with the science of reading and conceptual understanding of mathematics,” Hasek explained.
This past year, she served on the White County Literacy and Math teams. Her passion for research, curriculum, instructional strategies, and helping teachers is the driving force behind her desires. “I have loved being at Mossy Creek. The community is wonderful and the teachers are amazing and dedicated to children’s success,” Hasek added.
Hasek hopes to use her new position at the District Office to positively impact student achievement.
Advice for new teachers
“I tell new teachers in the profession or anyone thinking about becoming a teacher to find joy, be passionate, and be a continual learner,” Hasek advised.
She believes that the field of teaching is an evolving profession. There are always changes in how education is run, how things are taught, and how students learn best. Hasek emphasized that teachers must find peace in flexibility and adaptability.
Her mentor
Hasek stressed the importance of mentors in her life and the lives of others. Throughout her tenure, she remarks that many have guided and taught her about life and work.
“I have precious administrators, I have worked with for years, who have coached me and impacted my development as an educator,” Hasek reminisced. “I am appreciative of my colleagues who have turned into life-long friends and who continue to inspire me.”
Her parents have been a huge support for her all through life.
“I believe having a mentor is important for self-reflection and refinement,” Hasek said. “An outside view grows grit.”
