Superpower: The Power of Being Fully Present
At Good Hope Country Day School, our Faculty Heroes are the educators who bring passion, care, and inspiration to our classrooms every day—and 4th grade teacher Dana Noe embodies all three.
From the moment Dana first stepped onto the GHCDS campus, she knew it was a special place. What struck her most was the atmosphere—one filled with mutual respect, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning. That sense of community is what continues to inspire her each day. Dana says she especially values the close-knit environment at GHCDS, where students, teachers, and families support one another and learning is nurtured with kindness and respect. “It’s unlike any other school I have experienced,” she shares, “and I am honored to be part of the staff.”
If Dana had to describe GHCDS students in one word, she would choose “eager.” Our Panthers, she says, are excited to learn about the world and discover their place within it. She also sees loyalty and pride in our students—young people who love their school, value their island home of St. Croix, and feel connected to the Panther community that surrounds them.
Dana’s teaching “superpower” is something simple but powerful: being fully present. In her classroom, every student receives her complete attention and care. Her goal is that each child leaves fourth grade feeling smart, respected, and loved. Dana sees the fourth grade experience as something that belongs to the students themselves, and she feels grateful to guide them through such an important year of growth and discovery.
Dana began her teaching career in 2008 as a 3rd grade teacher in Washington State, but today she couldn’t be happier teaching 4th grade at GHCDS. In her words, she is “in heaven” in the classroom.
And here’s a fun fact about Dana that many people might not know: whenever she encounters animals—no matter where she is—she can’t resist talking to them and asking how their day is going!
With her warmth, attentiveness, and dedication to every student she teaches, Dana Noe reminds us that great teaching begins with caring deeply for the people in front of you. GHCDS is lucky to have her as part of our Panther family.
