In this upbeat and thoughtful episode of The Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Adam Dannenbring, freshman seminar teacher, personal finance instructor, and multi-sport coach at Rapid City Stevens High School.

Adam walks listeners through what freshman seminar really is and why it may be one of the most important classes a student ever takes. From organization and goal setting to job interviews, mental health, relationships, and real-world readiness, he explains how the course helps students navigate one of the biggest transitions of their lives.

The conversation also dives into the powerful overlap between classroom teaching and coaching. Adam shares how athletics build discipline, accountability, and confidence, and how public schools create opportunities for students to try new things, discover passions, and learn what does and doesn’t fit them. With humor, honesty, and a few classic dad jokes, Adam reminds us that education is about far more than grades. It’s about opportunity, growth, and preparing students for life beyond high school.

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