New Oakdale Elementary Teacher Gave Up Career in Engineering

Tuesday—the first day of school—marks a new beginning for students of all ages, but it also marks a new beginning for literacy specialist David Heinrichs.

Heinrichs, a former engineer who focused his work on wetlands, said he is looking forward to starting his first full-time teaching job this year.

Last year he worked as a substitute teacher at St. Paul Music Academy, formerly North End Elementary, in St. Paul.

According to Heinrichs, he is very active in the schooling of his own three elementary-age children, volunteering in the classroom and helping out with sports and other activities. 

“I spent a lot of time in my kids’ classrooms. One day something just clicked and I knew being a teacher was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life,” he said.  “I am so happy I made the change. I can’t imagine wanting to do anything else now.”

Heinrichs attended Hamline University for his teaching degree. He said he owes a lot to his family.

“They were very supportive of the change I wanted to make in my life, which helped a lot,” he said.

Heinrichs said he has a lot to look forward to as the school year begins.

“I am really looking forward to working with the kids. I plan to take my engineering background and apply that to my teaching with technology education,” he said.

Heinrichs said he is also looking forward to working with all Oakdale Elementary school students, as he only worked with boys at North End. 

According to Heinrichs, the most rewarding part about being a teacher is being able to watch the kids grow and to be a part of their learning process. 

He said the challenge most teachers face is being able to relate to each child, because they all learn in different ways.

“A quality of a good teacher is to be very aware, to watch the kids learn and to become familiar with what works for each individual child,” he said.

Heinrichs said he is looking forward to everything—both the rewards and the challenges—that his new job will present to him.

“I am just so excited to be here," he said. "So, so excited."