Looking from left to right between the choices of the world of medicine or science, one of the newest teachers at C. M. Russell High School begins to realize her true calling as an educator in biology.
“Having taught so much throughout college, it seemed to be a sign telling me to pursue teaching,” she said.
Having first entered college as a student majoring in medicine, Isabelle Dubrow soon realized that it was not for her. She said she always had a knack for science-related classes growing up, and she switched her major to biology.
During school, she found herself naturally involved in various teaching roles, including coaching swim lessons, aiding in lower-level science courses, tutoring classmates, and instructing CPR lifeguard skills.
Her destiny seemed to have always been there; she only needed to embrace it head on. At Arizona State University, she paved her way into teaching. Following graduation, she was hired at Greenfield Junior High School in Gilbert, Ariz., as a general science teacher. However, during the summer of 2022, a twist of fate brought by her husband’s active duty military career guided her to Great Falls.
Having now lived in the area for two years, she said she has gradually begun to replant her roots. She found a home in the community. Career-wise she subbed for the neighboring middle schools, but was ready for the next level of her teaching career. Her first impression of C. M. Russell High School was overwhelmingly positive, she said, describing the support system and offers for assistance as her favorite part.
“It feels like a family here,” Dubrow said.
She said she actively attempts to involve herself in Homecoming and other school activities, enjoying the sense of getting to know the community. Although she said she holds no specific age preference, she appreciates the new environment of maturity in her high school students compared to middle school. She currently teaches freshman and sophomore English in room 216.
“If there’s one thing I want my students to take from me is to learn accountability,” she said.
Dubrow said she holds high expectations of honesty from her students, and she aims to motivate them to differentiate between reasons and excuses when it comes to their work and effort in class. She wants to inspire the next generation to take those skills and use them in their lives in the future.
Dubrow has fallen in love with teaching in many ways, she said. She particularly appreciates that it always offers room for growth, and she looks forward to exploring genetic biology in the future. For now, she’s committed to staying at CMR for at least two more years, anticipating another possible move due to her husband’s career. Nevertheless, she said she is excited to see what lies ahead in her journey.
“In the distant future, I’m definitely gonna stick with it.”
