We might be a little biased, but we think the people who work for the School District of Janesville are more than a little AMAZING! And once you get to meet them, we think that you'll agree!
But SDJ has nearly 1,500 employees -- so getting to know each one would be just short of impossible.
In an effort to get you started, we present this story series titled "Know the District." Included here is a collection of question-and-answer profiles that feature SDJ staff members at facilities throughout the district. These include teachers, social workers, principals, paraprofessionals, counselors, directors, food service workers, IT people and other front-line folks whose commitment to students is integral in helping shape our leaders of tomorrow!
Know the District
ADAM OTREMBA -- WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Name:Adam Otremba
Position at SDJ:First-Grade Teacher, Washington Elementary School
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My first real job was working at Subway. I learned the value of hard work, being a dependable employee, and how to get along with a variety of people.
What led to your decision to become a teacher? I always enjoyed school growing up – I even liked doing homework. When it came time to choose a career path, it was actually my mom who helped guide me towards being an elementary school teacher.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I would like to learn how to make my own jam. I have two large raspberry patches and a small strawberry patch. I usually just pick the berries to eat.
Do you have any superstitions? I don’t have any superstitions, but when I go to play bingo I do bring a few “lucky charms” along. Although I rarely ever win, so maybe they aren’t that lucky.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would love to travel throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. I think it would be very interesting to visit places where history happened and the scenery of the Mediterranean looks like it would be amazing to see in person.
Name something you have never done that it seems everyone else has. I have never driven on the interstate.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I took a honeymoon trip in a psychedelically painted camper van for two weeks. We camped throughout Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
Describe yourself in three words: Quirky. Particular. Amiable.
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. My CPAP machine. I would not get good, quality sleep without it!
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? Math. I liked that it involved more concrete thinking versus abstract thinking.
If you weren’t a teacher, what do you think you would be doing for a career? If I wasn’t a teacher, I think I’d want to be an expert gardener. I really enjoy working in my yard, taking care of my plants, and learning gardening techniques.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I’m proud of the work I have done to clean up and bring back the beauty of the landscaping around my home. The property sat empty and neglected for some time and everything became very overgrown. It’s been a lot of hard, rewarding work to bring it back to what it once was. I regret not appreciating and taking advantage of the free time I had in college. Life gets busy.
Do you have a useless talent? If yes, what is it? I’m a decent dancer at weddings – as long as you don’t try to get me to do any kind of line dancing or choreographed moves.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? I have always thought it would be fun to be able to fly. Just walk out the door and take off wherever I want to go.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and experience all that life has to offer. This is probably advice I would give to my current self as well.
Position at SDJ:Fifth-Grade Teacher Monroe Elementary School
Hometown: Platteville, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 17 years
Education: Bachelor's Degree, Elementary Education (Grades 1-8 and English as a Second Language), Edgewood College
Family: Husband, Dustin; daughter, Lia, and son, Cade
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My first job was as a busser at my best friend’s family restaurant, where my older sister also worked. I learned it’s really important to work with people you like because when you get busy and stressed, you need people who are going to be able to pick you up, know what you need and help.
What led to your decision to become a teacher? Education is in my family. My mom taught elementary art and music for 44 years; my dad taught middle and high school business and computers; my sister taught preschool and now owns her own dance studio. Even though I contemplated other careers, I always knew education was my destination.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I would learn to juggle. It is a rare talent, and my students would think it was awesome.
I understand you referee volleyball on the side. How did you get into that? Did you play? I got into officiating volleyball because of my dad. In 2009, he needed a partner for a high school tournament, so he told me to get my license and help. I’ve been officiating with him ever since for both high school and club. I did not play beyond seventh grade. At my middle school, we had to choose between fall sports or the fall play. In eighth grade, I chose to go out for the play. By the time I was a freshman, I was behind and didn’t make the team. I chose to manage the high school team all four years and learned the rules inside and out, which comes in handy now as an official. My daughter has played since she was 8 and hopes to play in college.
Based on what I see at your classroom’s Facebook page, it seems you focus heavily on more engaging teaching methods than just sharing facts. What is your teaching philosophy? My philosophy is you get through to people the most when they are happy and want to be somewhere. If I can make my classroom a place where students are comfortable, they will let their guards down and be vulnerable for real growth. I need to be approachable and model enthusiasm for learning while also showing how to maneuver through struggles and failure. My students become an extension of my kids, and I treat them accordingly.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would love to go to Greece for the scenery, weather and history. The pictures are breathtaking.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I broke my heel trying to “fly” at a high school summer camp. My friends and I were being silly, jumping off chairs and rolled up carpet. I thought I would get a better landing if I took my shoes off. The concrete floor and my heel did not agree. I wobbled around the UW-Platteville campus all week because I refused to miss out on camp.
Describe yourself in three words: Limitless. Genuine. Resilient.
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. If you ask my students, they would say coffee, as it is how I get through my days. But really, as cliche as it sounds, I can’t live without my phone. It’s always with me to connect with my sister and parents and to capture the memories of my kids.
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study and why? Math. I love the challenge and complexity of math. I love having to twist my brain.
If you weren’t a teacher, what do you think you would be doing for a career? I would be a sports statistician, a sports data analyst or some kind of organizer.
If you’re in your car, what song will get you to turn up the radio? What song will get you to turn it off? My daughter has turned me into a Swiftie. I will turn up the radio for almost any Taylor Swift song. I cannot stand heavy metal music.
Share an instance where -- despite being the teacher -- you learned something from one of your students. I have had a few students who were experts in presidents, planets and geography. I always deferred to them when teaching to make sure I had the facts right.
What TV show are you most likely to binge watch? “Friends.” Oh… my… God, it is the best TV show. We were never on a break; it’s always been there for me every time I’ve had to pivot in life.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Live every moment for you and not what anyone else thinks, says or wants from you.
Position at SDJ:Business Education Teacher/DECA Advisor/Golf Coach, Parker High School (Update: Zimmerman retired at the end of the 2025-26 school year).
Hometown: Dodgeville, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 32 years
Education: Bachelor's Degree, Marketing Education (Business Administration minor), UW-Stout; Master's Degree, Educational Leadership and Administration, National Louis University
Family: Wife, Lisa (Title 1 teacher at Wilson Elementary School); children Matthew (daughter-in law Alaina), Ryan and Sarah (all Parker High School graduates), and dog, Ryder
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? Working in the family trucking business for my father. I learned everything from maintenance to payroll.
What led to your decision to become a teacher? I enjoyed learning about business. My mom was a teacher and had an influential high school business teacher.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I would love to learn how to fly a plane.
Share a mistake you’ve made that taught you a valuable lesson. Coming home late from curfew as a child. Be honest and take your punishment.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Switzerland. My family has relatives there from my grandfather immigrating to the USA.
Name something you have never done that it seems everyone else has. Play Augusta National Golf Course.
Sharing something people would be surprised to find out about you. I had my CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) for many years with the family business.
Describe yourself in three words: Dedicated. Caring. Lead by example.
Do you have useless talent? I do not have to comb my hair.
When you were a student, what were your favorite and least favorite subjects to study? My favorite was Business and my least favorite was Algebra.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Parmesan Cheese.
You are Parker’s DECA advisor. Why do you feel the program is so important? The Parker DECA Chapter provides real world experiences in all aspects of life. It provides career/college readiness in all areas.
If you’re in your car, what song will get you to turn up the radio? What song will get you to turn it off? Turn up: “Life’s Been Good” by Eagles. Turn off: Polka (sorry, Dad).
Share an instance where -- despite being the teacher -- you learned something from one of your students. Everyone has challenges in their life. Be kind and helpful.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Embrace the challenges and experiences. They are all learning situations that will benefit you in the years ahead.
Family: Parents, Rich and Carol; sister Michelle and brother Tom
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? When I was 16, I got my first job at Amazon Station, where I helped serve food, sell tickets for mini-golf, bumper boats, go-karts, laser tag, and run birthday parties for kids. I learned that it’s important to have a job where you get to have fun while you work.
What led to your decision to become a teacher? When I was in second grade at Jefferson Elementary School, my teacher (retired Roosevelt teacher Shelley Lemirande) made learning so much fun that I decided I was going to become a teacher and be just like her! One of the highlights of my career has been getting to work alongside Shelley when I came to teach at Roosevelt.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I would be interested in learning to play an instrument. During college, we had to learn to play a few songs on the piano and I really enjoyed it. I kind of wish I had learned to play an instrument when I was in school, even though I have very little musical talent or coordination in general.
How does teaching in the district's Challenge program differ from teaching in a "traditional" classroom? Teaching in the district’s Challenge program is different because the classes are made up of students all working at a similarly high academic level. This allows me to approach standards in different ways, give the students more ownership over their own learning, and allow students to let their passions guide some of their projects.
Share a mistake you’ve made that taught you a valuable lesson. One of the major mistakes in my life was ignoring my gut feeling and trusting a person who ended up hurting me in the end. While this has taught me to always trust my gut, it also showed me just how resilient and strong I can be when times get really tough.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would love to visit Finland, since I am more than 50% Finnish. If I ever do make that trip, it would also be nice to visit Sweden and Norway. I got my first passport during COVID and have yet to actually put it to use. Learning more about my heritage seems like a good place to start.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. A lot of people are surprised to learn that I went tandem skydiving when I was in college. I even convinced my mom, who is afraid of heights, to join me on the adventure.
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. I always have some sort of metal water bottle or travel tea mug with me wherever I go. If I forget to bring one with me when I leave my house, I feel off for the whole day and tend to stay less hydrated. My students always ask how many I have since I use different ones each day, and I’ve been told I shouldn’t buy any new ones unless I donate or throw away some old ones to make room.
When you were a student, what were your favorite and least favorite subjects to study, and why? I have always loved math more than any other subject. It’s very satisfying to know you will get to the correct answer by following the right steps. Since my memory has never been great, I was never a fan of Social Studies/history. Having to remember names, dates and the order of historical events was always hard for me.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. I always like to make sure I have apples in my fridge, so I tend to buy more almost every time I go grocery shopping – even when I already have plenty. I also love having a variety of hot tea options at home and school, so anytime I see new or interesting tea flavors, I’ll buy a box. I now have more teabags than any one person should ever have at one time. My habit-tracking calendar currently says, “No new tea” as one of the daily items I am tracking.
If you weren’t a teacher, what do you think you would be doing for a career? Quite honestly, I can’t picture myself doing anything other than teaching. If I were forced to choose something, though, I would probably do something in the computer programming field. I’ve always loved coding and love that I have a chance to help students get excited about it as well. Being a robotics coach is one of my favorite parts of my job!
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I am incredibly proud of the work I do in my classroom every single day. It makes my heart happy to see students making progress and learning, all while still having fun. One thing I regret is not traveling more. I definitely want to see more places around the world.
If you’re in your car, what song will get you to turn up the radio? What song will get you to turn it off? I will turn up the radio for any upbeat Christmas songs!!! I listen to Christmas music all the way from the beginning of November until school resumes after New Year’s.The song I look forward to the most each year is Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You!” The type of music I would turn off would be heavy metal or songs where the lead singer sounds like they are screaming.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? I would definitely want to be able to fly! It would be nice to avoid traffic and get a bird’s-eye view of the world.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Trust your instincts and have confidence in your abilities. You are stronger than you realize and should not shy away from a challenge. I substitute taught for 10 years at the beginning of my career, partially because I didn’t feel confident enough to interview well. This resulted in me not being able to get a full-time job right out of college.
Family:Dad Jim (1971 Parker High School grad); mom Colleen; sister Evan; brother-in-law Morgan; niece Quinn and nephew Kelley
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My first job was as a lifeguard at the Wisconsin Dells Municipal Pool. Lifeguarding is a pretty weighty job for a teenager, so it taught me a great deal about responsibility and about being aware of what is going on around me. Working at the pool also helped me realize that even though I have a job to do and that I need to take it seriously, I also need to find enjoyment in it.
What led to your decision to become a teacher? When it was time for me to get a job after graduating from college, I didn’t have it in me to look for a marketing job. My heart wasn’t in it. I had always enjoyed working with kids during my summer job, so I became a substitute teacher. It didn’t take long for me to decide what I wanted to do as a career. Also, teaching is truly all I have ever known. Both of my parents are retired teachers who have found themselves back in the classroom. Whether they are aware or not, they have shown me it is important to help others and support our community and that teaching is a necessary and respectable profession.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? There are so many things that I want to learn, but if I had to pick one, I would want to learn how to cook. I am pretty confident in my baking ability, but my cooking skills are basic at best.
Share a mistake you’ve made that taught you a valuable lesson. Not doing more to become more knowledgeable about personal finances when I first started working. As I have gotten older, I realize how many decisions and aspects of life are dependent on your finances, and it is important to have a good understanding of them. I WISH Personal Finance had been a required class when I was in high school, or even college! There is so much information that it is easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you are behind where you should be.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? My goal is to travel to Ireland. It is really a family goal as we have family friends who lived with us when they first came to the U.S. when I was 1. When they returned home during my junior year, they extended an open invitation.
Name something you have never done that it seems everyone else has. Travel! As a teacher, the time to travel is during the summer. But, as a product of Wisconsin Dells, that is the time to get to work – and I haven’t broken that habit yet.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I still work at my very first job (lifeguarding). Summer 2025 was my 24th season.
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. My KitchenAid stand mixer. It truly changed my baking game. So much time has been saved, and I have been able to make hundreds of cookies and cinnamon rolls without losing my mind or my love of baking.
When you were a student, what were your favorite and least favorite subjects to study, and why? My favorite subject was math. I like math because of the problem-solving process. When given a problem to solve, you first read the problem to understand it, plan a strategy to solve it, carry out the plan and then check your answer. I appreciate that there is a “to-do list” for each problem. My least favorite was English. While I love the reading aspect, I have never been, and am still not, confident in my writing ability. I have always been afraid of not meeting expectations of the prompt and my response not making sense.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Unsalted Butter. In the past, I feel like this has always been the item that has prevented me from being able to do any spur-of-the-moment baking without having to run to the store. To prevent that, I always make sure to grab some.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I am proud of going back to school to get my teaching degree. Although I was not out of school for long, it took a while for me to finish. But I did, and I love being a teacher. I regret not getting my teaching degree in the first place. It has been hard not to compare myself to those my age who are more established in their careers and lives.
Who is your favorite Muppet? It is hard to choose, but Gonzo and Rizzo the Rat. The “Muppet Christmas Carol” is my favorite Christmas movie. I loved them and their banter when I was young, and it has only grown. Honorable mention to Statler and Waldorf!
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? Teleportation! I spend A LOT of time in my car. And although I don’t really mind, it would be nice to get some of that time back. Seeing my nieces and nephew in an instant would be the BEST!
Share an instance where -- despite being the teacher -- you learned something from one of your students. My students have taught me that it is important to be open and willing to listen. All students come into your classroom with unique experiences and perspectives. Learning completely random but also fascinating information about my students just by having conversations with them is one of my favorite parts of my job. “Your relative is on the national cricket team of a South Asian country?!?!” “You are an aerial dancer?!?!”
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? It is OK to not know exactly what you want to do! Changing course is not quitting. Mom and dad will support you. Knowing and remembering this information would have saved me a lot of stress, worry and tears!
Position at SDJ:Science Instructor, Rock University High School
Hometown: Beloit, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 2 years
Education: Bachelor's Degree, Chemistry, UW-Madison; Doctorate, Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Family:Mom, Nadine; children, Griffin and Ghost (who was a student at RUHS from 2016-17); dog, Minnie, and leopard gecko, Goji II
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? Outside of the normal stuff teenagers do for money like mowing lawns, I worked at an aluminum foundry in Beloit while I was still in high school. The company recovered aluminum from cans and other sources, and I worked in the lab analyzing samples for metal content and impurities. In addition to being a dirty and noisy place to work, it was also quite dangerous as they worked with molten metals. I learned some valuable lessons while I was there, including just how important safety can be in any job. I also learned how to follow instructions and to ask questions when I didn't understand something. I lasted there for about 9 months. (Note: People died. The company no longer exists).
What led to your decision to embark on a teaching career? My dad was a teacher in the Beloit School District for something like 30 years, and he was a huge influence on my decision to pursue teaching. Not surprisingly, he taught most of the sciences including Chemistry and Earth Science – both of which I teach now. I did a lot of “teaching” in graduate school, but my first job after I completed my degree was as an industrial chemist doing laboratory research to help develop new pharmaceuticals with Abbott Labs. I never lost the desire to teach though, and after 20 years I left to begin teaching. Over the past 14 years, I've taught Chemistry at UW-Rock County, UW-Waukesha, UW-Whitewater (Rock County and main campus) and Carthage College in Kenosha. I've had both of my children as students, just as I had my own father as an instructor in Beloit! To love teaching, you have to love learning!
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? That is a tough question, because there are so many things I would like to learn. But if I had to narrow it down, I'd say I'd like to learn to speak and read another language – probably Japanese.
Speaking of Japanese, you are a huge Godzilla fan. How did you first become interested in the King of the Monsters? I became a fan of Godzilla movies as a young boy. Two television stations in Milwaukee ran monster movies on the weekends. Because any way of recording movies (VHS/DVD/Digital) wasn't available then, if I wanted to see something I'd have to watch it when it aired. I would watch them as often as I could – sometimes staying up quite late. They not only appealed to my interest in not only science fiction but were fun (and admittedly, somewhat goofy). I own all the movies (some on multiple formats), and I have a rather embarrassingly large collection of memorabilia – some of which has made its way to my office. I've been a regular attendee at Godzilla Fest in Chicago for the past seven years, and I made sure my children were introduced to Kaiju films as early as possible.
Have you met anyone who is famous? I've never met anyone conventionally famous such as an actor or a musician, but I have met several Nobel Prize winners. Chemistry, particularly at the graduate and professional level is a small community, and I was a teaching assistant at MIT for K. Barry Sharpless, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2001 and 2022. I've met a few others, as well.
You have done a lot of traveling around the world. Where have you been and why? I traveled a lot with my earlier job at Abbott Labs. I've been to Japan, England, Switzerland and Germany. I spent enough time in England with Abbott Labs (more than 6 months in 10 years) that I was deferred from donating blood until recently due to concerns about Mad Cow disease.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I have a sizable number of patents and peer-reviewed articles from my days as a process research and development scientist at Abbott. I worked on the first HIV protease inhibitors for the treatment of AIDs during the early days of the pandemic.
Describe yourself in three words: Three words is tough! I like to think of myself as Curious, Optimistic and Pragmatic
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. It's embarrassing to say, but the item I can't live without is likely to be my computer. It allows me to keep in contact with the many friends and colleagues I have. I also enjoy gaming and watching movies.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Diet. Mountain. Dew. (Fully caffeinated).
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I'm really proud of the work I did as a pharmaceutical chemist. I worked with some amazing people and the medications we helped develop have impacted the lives of millions of people. I worked on a number of experimental medications that became drugs. I regret not learning about work-life balance until far too late in life!
If you’re in your car, what song will get you to turn up the radio? What song will get you to turn it off? I love 80s music, particularly New Wave. I'm also a big fan of Punk, Ska and Techno. If you can dance to it, it's probably something I will listen to. I enjoy many types of music, including Classical. I'm not particularly fond of anything in the Country/Western genre, so I generally switch the channel. There are a few exceptions. For example, I like Johnny Cash.
Share an instance where you learned something valuable from a student. I'm not an education professional in the sense that I went to college to study teaching. What I am is a subject matter expert, which means I came into teaching without a lot of teaching experience. I started with enthusiasm and knowledge in abundance, but few of the practical classroom skills that most teachers take for granted. I learned very quickly that students approach learning in different ways and that one size does not fit all, especially if you want them to be successful. The best way to teach is the way that works. I'm still learning.
Aside from chemistry breakthroughs and radioactive lizards, what other topics and hobbies do you spend your time on? I have more interests than time, and over the years, I've binged some interests and activities like some people binge TV shows. In no particular order, these interests have included carpentry, fishing, camping, polymer resin molding, rock collecting, playing Dungeons and Dragons, gaming, gardening and photography. I have a particular fondness for science fiction movies from the 1950s to the 1980s, and I watch and rewatch them frequently. I love glow in the dark stuff and I have a lot of ultraviolet lamps. I display part of my collection of fluorescent mineral specimens, painted objects and molded resin items in class, and I use them in teaching chemistry.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Take care of yourself. You're going to be old a lot longer than you are going to be young.
Position at SDJ:Kindergarten Teacher, Jefferson Elementary School
Hometown: Milton, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 12 years
Family:Daughter, Maizy; seven sassy cats (Elphie, O'Malley, Leeu, Bellatrix, Pebble, Isa and Onyx), plus many classroom "fur babies."
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? I actually didn’t have a paying job until I was in college. I’m the oldest of four, so as soon as I was of age, I spent my free time babysitting my younger siblings. I guess you could say taking care of them after school, during the summers and on weekends when our parents were busy was my first job. It was definitely a big lesson in responsibility and problem solving. I’m sure it didn’t feel like it at the time, but I’m sure I developed much of my patience during those years!
What led to your decision to become a teacher? I honestly don’t remember exactly when I made the official decision to become a teacher. I always loved working with children, and they seemed to be drawn to me. My grandma was an elementary teacher, and I had some very positive role models who were educators. Perhaps it was with my work through 4-H and other volunteer activities when I decided it would be my path. Until I got to my student teaching, I always wanted to teach second grade. Mrs. Schrank was the second-grade teacher for all my siblings. The difference she made in their lives and how she connected with them was absolutely incredible. I never actually had her as a teacher, but she was my choir director’s wife, so she still considered me one of her kids, and I spent time in her classroom. Her plan was to retire right as I got out of school so I could student teach with her and take over her position. It obviously didn’t work out that way, but to this day, if someone asks me who I want to be like I would tell you Mrs. Lori Schrank.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I have always wanted to be able to play the piano or guitar. My goal when I started teaching was to pick up guitar so I could play and sing to my kiddos. I finally took a step toward that goal last year when I reached out to a local music store for some information. They ended up giving me a guitar! I tried a free online class geared toward teachers, but that didn’t work out so well. I need to find myself some lessons to sign up for (in my spare time. Ha!) so I can make some progress toward that goal.
What’s the deal with you and Monarch butterflies? Tell me where your interest stems from. I grew up loving nature and spent a lot of time outside on my family's horse and dairy farm. We would find caterpillars and raise a few of them until they became butterflies. As I got older, it was harder and harder to find monarch caterpillars. Throughout the first years of my teaching career, I would bring them into the classroom to use whenever I could find them. In 2020, I talked to a friend who had been raising a significant amount of monarchs for a few years, and I decided to try it myself. It ended up being a source of calm and respite during the pandemic. I turned my porch into what we call our Monarch Menagerie and learned how to find and collect monarch eggs. By trial and error, I learned the best ways to keep the eggs, caterpillars and chrysalides safe and healthy. I am always doing research and learning new things about Monarchs and their conservation. I have even tagged them for Monarch Watch. I would love to someday travel and teach about them beyond my classroom. My students have decided I need to go to Mexico to see where they migrate to and bring back photos and videos. I would LOVE to do this! I think, no, I know I would cry tears of joy if I ever got to experience being surrounded by millions of Monarchs!
You keep a variety of animals in your classroom. What are their names, and what do they help you teach to students? Their names are Pico, Cat, Moody, Schroeder, Draco, Jimmy, Eleanor and Winnie. The animals teach so many different things. I am always discovering new ways they help the students in my classroom, and each year it is different because they have different strengths and needs. We learn responsibility, spatial awareness, empathy, compassion and so much more! We can make numerous connections between our pets and the things we are learning about. They also help when one is having a rough day or just needs a little extra love. One really good example of the positive impact they have on students is with Pico (the chicken). I had an EL student that was very quiet, shy and apprehensive to talk in class. When asked questions, the student would only use one or two words to answer. It was sometimes difficult to determine the progress the student was making academically. Pico had been hatched (by me, with tweezers) in our classroom the year before and she was coming back for a visit now that she was full grown. Within two days of Pico visiting, the student started to participate more in class activities. Within two weeks, the student was using free time to go over and talk to Pico. That talking started to carry over into our everyday classroom discussions and work! It was like a whole world opened once the student learned to talk to Pico first. She is a very good listener. I have countless stories about how the other animals have helped students in my classroom and our school. There are quite a few staff members that have made their way down to my classroom on rough days when they need a little pick me up, as well. Some days you need to talk to a turtle, read to a rabbit, or giggle at a chinchilla taking a dust bath and everything else gets a little bit easier.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? There are too many to just name one! A few I have not traveled to yet are Mexico (to study and visit the Monarch hibernation grounds as well as see some of the ancient ruins); Iceland (to see the Northern Lights dance in the sky); The Galapagos Islands (for the plants and animals that are only found there) and Spain (for the culture and music. I want to learn Flamenco dancing)!
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. On my golden birthday (20), I played the lead role in a Wild West musical and performed to a sold-out crowd at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. I ALMOST got bucked off a horse in front of them all while singing!
Describe yourself in three words: Friendly. Empathetic. Compassionate.
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study and why? Music. I love everything about music – singing and performing. I love that I can learn about so many other things through music. I also enjoyed science and, later in my education, Spanish.
If you weren’t a teacher, what do you think you would be doing for a career? Something with singing/performing or animals/nature. I always told my mom I was going to be Cinderella at Disney World, and I think being a photographer for National Geographic would be amazing!
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I am incredibly proud of my daughter and the kind human she is. I regret not being able to be awake for her birth and missing her very first moments.
If you’re in your car, what song will get you to turn up the radio? What song will get you to turn it off? Turn up: Defying Gravity or anything by Elvis or NSYNC. Turn Down: Anything hateful or any song where the “singing” is screaming so loud I can’t understand what they are saying.
Share an instance where -- despite being the teacher -- you learned something from one of your students. I learn from my students every day! We also do a lot of learning together through questioning and exploration. If there is something that comes up in a discussion that I do not know the answer to, then we do some research. I have learned so many interesting things this way!
You are among the teachers at Jefferson Elementary who are involved in Friends of SizaBantwana, an organization that helps children in South Africa. Why did you get involved, how many times have you visited the country, and what change have you seen since it started? My amazing friend and wonderful co-worker Jennifer Schrab introduced us to SizaBantwana Children’s Organization when she visited South Africa on a grant. I had helped with the service learning projects we were doing with our students to benefit Siza. It was very touching and inspiring to see how our students responded to learning about the organization and what they do. It was even more moving to see how the students wanted to get involved. They took ownership of doing good and learning about the world outside of Janesville. Naturally, when talking about establishing a nonprofit here in the US to continue our work with Siza, I was interested. To know you can make a difference in the lives of children is rewarding and fulfilling. It brings me much joy to help others and to do my part to make the world a better place – even if the impact is small. I feel it is my duty as a human to do these things. Being a part of all of this has also been a wonderful experience for my daughter, and she is just as passionate about helping the children as I am. We both were able to visit South Africa in 2023 on our service trip with Friends of SizaBantwana! Over the years we have done some expanding. More schools and districts are involved, we hold more and bigger fundraisers, and we have a following of superb volunteers. With the growth we have set larger goals! While we still help with many everyday needs of the children (food, school uniforms, personal hygiene items, etc.), we have also been working hard to get a new care center built and running. We were able to see the cleared land and bare bones of the building on our trip in 2023. It was a very exciting moment seeing the results of all the hard work we do fundraising here in the U.S.! Our plan is to continue raising money to support the children’s needs, the care center and improvements to the care center such as electricity, a kitchen, toilets and a source of clean water.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Life will not always follow the path you expect or plan for. Do not be discouraged, because it does not mean you failed. It only means you are on a new path, and there will be many.
Position at SDJ:Administrative Assistant to the Principal, Wilson Elementary School
Hometown: South Chicago, Illinois/Eagle River, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 18 years
Family:Husband, Jeff; son, Nate; daughter Brandie and son-in-law, Andrew; grandchildren, Grayson and Lynnlee; dogs, Zeke and Mazie
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My very first job was working at Dairy Queen. I loved working with the people and the endless ice cream and cookie dough.
As an administrative assistant to your school’s principal, you’re kind of the “gatekeeper” at Wilson. Can you give a brief description of your many duties? Wilson is a great place with fantastic staff that wear many hats in a day. My day involves many phone calls, emails, attendance, finding subs, helping in the nurse's office and helping (Principal Ashley Wright) in any way I can. The best parts of my day are my morning greetings with the students and parents, the calm-down talks with students, the checking in to see how their days are going, having lunch with students, and checking in with staff to see if they need anything.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? Wow, this is a tricky question. It is always good to learn something new. One thing I would really love to do is learn Spanish.
Your family has a close relationship to Keeanu Benton, Craig High School graduate and lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers. What is the background of that story? I was lucky to meet Keeanu at Craig High School when I worked there. He joined the wrestling team, and my husband was a volunteer coach. He then became friends with my son, Nate. Keeanu "Nunu" was just a genuine kid. He worked hard at everything he did and was a stand-up kid. We got to know him better through the friendship he built with our son. We have always been big cheerleaders for him and always will be. We are proud of all his accomplishments.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would love to go to Italy. It looks amazing.
Name something you have never done that it seems everyone else has. I can honestly say I have never played Cribbage. I am willing to learn from anyone who wants to teach me.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I have eight family members who have or are working in the Janesville School District: Nate Farrell (son, former custodian); Brandie Farrell (daughter, administrative assistant); Terri Offerdahl (mother, paraprofessional); Megan Schultz (step-sister, reading specialist); Lisa Zimmerman (sister-in-law, math interventionist); John Zimmerman (brother-in-law, teacher/DECA advisor); George Farrell (father-in-law, retired teacher), and Judie Farrell (mother-in-law, retired teacher).
Describe yourself in three words: Caring. Hardworking. Feisty.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. There is always a bag of chips in my cart every time I go to the grocery store. They are not necessarily for me but for a husband who loves his chips.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I can honestly say I am incredibly proud of my family. We are FAR from perfect, but we give it our all and have had many ups, downs, twists and turns. One thing is if it's the highest of the highs or the lowest of lows – no matter what – we are always there for each other.
If you’re in your car, what song will get you to turn up the radio? What song will get you to turn it off? I love all sorts of music. Guaranteed if a good Kenny Chesney, Eminem, Earth, Wind & Fire, Snoop or Niko Moon song comes on, the radio is turned up -- and I am signing loudly.
Share an instance where -- despite being an adult working at a school -- you learned something from one of the students. There have been so many times I have learned something from a student. So many of them have a story they don't always share. Just take the time to make a connection and there is always something that will surprise you.
What is the TV show you are most likely to binge on? “Law & Order SVU.” It does not matter how many times I watch it.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Don't be scared to try something new. You never know until you try it.
Position at SDJ:Cross-Categorical Teacher, Jackson Elementary School
Hometown: Janesville, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 25 years
Family:Sons, Masyn and Carter; dog, Boo; boyfriend, Ryan, and his daughters, Haley, Makayla and Alyssa
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My first job was working at A&W as a waitress when I was 15. I learned that I love doing the quirky little things like bringing my roller blades one day to serve people just to see them smile.
What led to your decision to become a teacher? I always wanted to be an art teacher. Art was an outlet for me through elementary, middle, high school and college. Mr. Dyke at Parker really encouraged me. When I moved to UW-Whitewater (where I was attending to be an art teacher), my mom was diagnosed with cancer. I moved home the very next day to be close to her. I started working part-time as a paraprofessional at Wilson with students with special needs while taking classes at U-Rock. I fell in love with students who had exceptional needs and qualities. It just felt like this was what I was meant for!
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I would love to learn to “love” long-distance running. I see runners I know and have so much respect for them. The strength and endurance it takes, along with the dedication, is admirable.
What is your favorite holiday? My favorite traditional holiday is Christmas, but my second favorite is National Hug Day – typically in January. Who doesn’t benefit from hugs in the long winter months or any time for that matter? Such a great way to express love and care for others in the world.
How would you react to seeing a spider? I wouldn’t kill it; I would “scoot” it. I have this weird belief about all living things. What if the spider was a grandma spider on her way to a family reunion and everyone will be so sad when she doesn’t make it? Or putting a worm on a hook to fish. What if the worm has babies at home waiting for dinner. It’s so silly, but true. I will do anything I can to NOT hurt any living thing unless it’s dangerous to let it go.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would travel to Banff, Canada. I love the mountains. Lake Louise, with the blue green water and beautiful mountains is at the top of my list! Also, Finland or Iceland because they're at the top of the “happiest places on earth” list.
Name something you have never done that it seems everyone else has. I’ve never eaten bone-in chicken wings, but it seems like everyone else has. The thought alone grosses me out.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. That I’m actually pretty shy until I get to know you. I’ve had significant hearing loss since I was 31, and it causes a lot of social anxiety for me around people I don’t know well. But again, silver lining, it has helped me make a special connection with a third-grader who also has a hearing impairment. I was asked to advocate for her and teach her class and the little girl just lit up as we talked together about how we were unique. The other students really seemed to enjoy learning more about their friend, too!
Describe yourself in three words: Compassionate. Patient. Loyal.
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. There are NO items I couldn’t live without. It’s people and connections for me. My boys, Boo, family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and students.
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study? I absolutely loved reading and writing. My third-grade teacher allowed my friend and I to sit in a cozy corner and write our own stories when we finished our work before the others. She bought us those little white hard-covered books with all the blank pages for us to fill up with our drawings and stories. She helped me find my voice when I didn’t always have one outside of school.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Diet Dr. Pepper. There is something about a cold, crisp DDP that makes the hard days better.
If you weren’t a teacher, what do you think you would be doing for a career? I would love to be a therapist. I would love processing life lessons with others to help them overcome obstacles in order to be their best for themselves, their families, friends and the world around them. I would love to help them realize they can do hard things – important things – once they let go of any roadblocks in their way.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I’m incredibly proud of my boys. Masyn overcame anxiety from an early age and went on to play college football, became president of his fraternity, and is now a cost analysis specialist at a large, successful local business. Carter has followed his dream of being a personal trainer. I love his passion for health and wellness. I don’t have any regrets. I think life leads us on the path we are meant to take for self-growth and discovery and to learn some beautiful, hard things in order to show compassion for others around us.
If you’re in your car, what song will get you to turn up the radio? What song will get you to turn it off? Don’t judge, but “Bust a Move” by Young MC brings me back to my Parker Viking days driving in my ‘86 Camaro. Also, not going to be a popular answer, but anything Cher or Phil Collins will get me to turn it off. Important tip though: If you hold your cell phone up to your ear in your car, you can sing as loudly as you want and people will just think you’re talking on the phone to a friend.
Share an instance where -- despite being the teacher -- you learned something from one of your students. My biggest lesson has been from one of my students who has selective mutism. He only whisper-talks to me and his amazing para, Mrs. Richardson. What I learned from him is that CONNECTION – how safe, valued and important we make others feel – is what allows others to be vulnerable, share their genuine ideas and have a “voice” in a world that is better for knowing them. It has also taught me that other students (particularly ours at Jackson) are resilient, loving and the most accepting and encouraging kiddos I’ve ever known.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? I would tell myself not to hold back, and that happiness isn’t in trying to be the same as everyone else or in just trying to blend in, but in cheering others on while allowing yourself to have an important place, too. I do feel proud that when I run into former classmates they share that I was always kind to them, no matter what circle they belonged to. That makes me happy! I would also tell myself to get out and travel – even if just hiking around our state parks in Wisconsin. It’s amazing how little some of the big, overwhelming troubles in life can seem small when you’re looking out over Lake Michigan, the cliff of Gibraltar Rock or Lake of the Clouds in the U.P.
Do you have any rituals or superstitions? Hopefully I don’t get in trouble with the superintendent for this one. For about the last 12 years, my colleagues across the district (and now spanning Wisconsin), have come to believe that if I sleep with spoons (silverware, ironing boards, turkey basters), good luck and old legends pay off in the form of district snow days. Don’t get us wrong; we love our students. We show up giving 110% every day even on our lunch breaks, preps and most of our weekends doing school work. But the chance of a snow day and to go sledding is as exciting for the staff as it is for the students.
Do you collect anything? I collect coffee mugs and baseball hats from trips I’ve taken.
Do you have any useless talents? There is this one thing. Back when I went to Lincoln Elementary School as a student, I was part of a group called “Rockin Robin” (three boys and little ole me). Our gym teacher would have us show off our breakdancing moves in P.E. (she was probably dying just watching this). I became pretty fluent in doing the worm. Fast-forward to my 40s and there might have been two times out and about where this skill came in pretty handy. On one occasion, I raised $200 at a benefit for a student who had terminal cancer. I told the band I would do the worm in front of everyone if they could collect $100 from the crowd to support him and his family. Within 5 minutes, they had raised $200, so I had to do the worm twice!. Then another time, on St. Patrick’s Day, I raised $200 for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital when a stranger overheard me retelling the first story. He and another person each offered to each donate $100 on the spot if I did it then and there.
Position at SDJ:Head Custodian, Washington Elementary School
Hometown: Janesville, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 3 years
Family:Wife, Tracey, daughters Betsy and Chandler; son, Alex; dog, Molly
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My first job was as a clerk at a gas station. I learned the customer is always right (but not always).
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I wish I could learn to be more patient. I think I tend to give up too easily.
What are the best and worst things about being a custodian at an elementary school? The best thing is that the kids at this age are a lot of fun to be around. The worst thing is that during summer cleaning, it gets pretty hot in the school.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Australia. I have relatives that live there and they say it’s beautiful.
Name something you have never done that it seems everyone else has. I have never gotten a tattoo.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. That my great-grandmother was Hermann Goering’s cousin.
Describe yourself in three words: Loyal. Truthful. Talkative.
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? History. We can learn a lot from our past.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Any type of chips.
If you weren’t a custodial engineer, what do you think you would be doing for a career? I was an electrician before I was a custodian. I would do that again.
Since you spent eight hours a day cleaning at a school, does the idea of cleaning your own home drive you nuts? No. My kids say I’m like Felix Unger from the TV show, “The Odd Couple.”
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I’m proud of my kids, because they have grown up to be more than I thought they would be. I regret not trying harder with my school classes.
You have two hours of free time. What are you most likely to do? I’m most likely outside doing yard work.
Share an instance where -- despite being an adult -- you learned something from a Washington student. That all or most students at the elementary level need love and understanding and want their voices heard.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Treat others like you want to be treated.
Position at SDJ:Physical Education Teacher, Lincoln Elementary School
Hometown: Fish Creek, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 23 years
Education:Bachelor's Degree, Physical Education, UW-Stevens Point; Master's Degree, Curriculum and Instruction, National Louis University
Family:Husband, Shawn; parents Dennis and Mary Schultz; sister Mary Frances Jurgella and brother Jim Schultz. We also have a large, four-legged, furry rescue family that consistently changes. There are two dogs, an old house buny and 11 cats that currently call the Wenzel Sanctuary home.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? Babysitting was my first job, which is where I realized how much I enjoyed working with young children. My parents were cherry farmers, so I also had the experience of working long hours in the cherry factory each season. This helped build my work ethic.
What led to your decision to become a teacher? When choosing a major in college, I was unsure of which pathway I should take – following my love of athletics and working with children or my interest in animals. I made the choice to pursue a career in caring for animals but later switched my major to physical education (my other love). I still have no regrets about that decision as today I am able to fulfill both of those passions.
Share a mistake you’ve made that taught you a valuable lesson. Saying “YES” and being a caretaker and helper to everyone and everything around me. This has led me to switch some gears in life due to burnout and has reminded me to give myself permission at times to think of myself first.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. That I hate, hate, hate folding laundry and pretty much live pulling clothes out of a laundry basket each day!
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. LIP BALM! In my mind … “don’t leave home without it” or it causes a bit of a panic attack!
Do you have a useless talent? If yes, what is it? Remembering people’s birthdays or dates of random events without trying.
When you were a student, what were your favorite and least favorite subjects to study, and why? PE class, of course, and typing. I loved the activities that challenged our “words per minute” in typing class.
What gym activity tends to be a favorite among your students, and which one do you know will draw groans? Wow ... so many fun units that there just isn’t ONE! Probably the most talked about and remembered is the “Monkey Course,” which is a hanging, climbing and swinging obstacle course within our gymnastics unit. Other units that bring about similar energy are glow bowling and the field trip to El-Ra Bowling Alley, the Heart Obstacle Course, skating, March Madness Basketball and of course, the All-City Elementary Track Meet! With all of this fun, there isn’t much time for groans … but if there ever are any, it’s usually over any written knowledge assessment.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. A “rabbit veggie” for the house rabbit(s), because you can never risk the chance of making a bunny sad by running out of its veggies. Alongside the veggies are “That’s It” fruit bars, which are a perfect fast snack.
You have two hours of free time. What are you most likely to be doing? With two hours of free time, you would definitely find me outside. That could be on a long walk with my two dogs, working in my flower gardens, trapping a cat to be the next one rescued or having a quiet lunch or breakfast by our beautiful koi pond (thanks to my husband’s talents).
You teach kids about physical fitness. What is your favorite method of keeping yourself in shape? No matter the weather, long brisk walks with my dogs are my consistent go-to for exercise. I also enjoy jumping rope, completing a monthly burpee challenge workout a couple times a year, and I am always up for a game of basketball or a badminton match.
If you’re in your car, what song will get you to turn up the radio? What song will get you to turn it off? In the car or teaching PE in the gym, “Try Everything” by Shakira always gets turned up. When the holiday spirit season arrives, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” by Gayla Peevey takes over the car or home environment! Rap or any Heavy Metal gets turned off quickly.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? SUPER SPEED, so I can accomplish so many things and NEVER BE LATE AGAIN!
Share an instance where -- despite being the teacher -- you learned something from one of your students. There are so many moments when I am learning from the knowledge my students are willing to share that I can not just pinpoint one specific instance. My students remind me about the power of resilience because there are so many major challenges they are facing but yet still show up eager to learn. Students often are “outside-the-box” thinkers and offer fresh insights to the games we are playing. A couple of years ago, I had a group that created a game they called Kickbase. That class has since moved on to middle school, but the game is still being enjoyed at Lincoln Elementary!
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Time moves fast, so slow down and make time to enjoy the simple moments and the people around you. Many times, I get wrapped up in giving priority to all of the things that I think need to “get done” when, really, those are not the important things in life.
Position at SDJ:Second-Grade Teacher, Adams Elementary School
Hometown: Janesville, Wisconsin (Born in Maebashi, Japan)
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 4 years
Education:Associates Degree, Arts and Sciences, UW-Rock County; Bachelor's Degree, Education: Middle Childhood/Early Adolescence and English as a Second Language (dual certification), UW-Madison
Family:Parents, Dan and Yumi; sisters Chie (English language teacher at Monroe Elementary School) and Aiko; brother Aaron (Craig High School student); dog, Bailey; cat, Buster
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My first job was a janitorial cleaning job at Purdue University. I was down there for a church summer program, I learned A LOT about the value of hard work and the importance of pushing through challenges and how to get the job done.
What led to your decision to become a teacher? There are a few reasons. One is because of my family. My dad was an English teacher in Japan and is a pastor now. My mom was a kindergarten teacher for eight years in Japan. Another reason would have to be because of my elementary school teachers, especially my kindergarten teacher at Milton East, Mrs. Reinardy.
Share a mistake you’ve made that taught you a valuable lesson. Two summers ago, I made a mistake when my sisters and I missed a flight out of South Korea. We ended up having to stay in the airport for over 14 hours! The lesson I learned from that experience is to never be late (or at least try to). It turned out to be a very expensive mistake!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I have an automatic answer for this one: JAPAN! I love going there and will never get tired of it. To me, it is the most beautiful place and it is home.
Name something you have never done that it seems everyone else has. Snowboarding! I really want to go, and I've even bought all the gear, but I'm a bit hesitant because I'm prone to getting injured.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. What’s surprising about me is that I love playing video games and can spend hours doing that! It often catches people off guard because they wouldn’t expect it from me!
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. I cannot live without my Apple AirTags. I lose way too many things and love that I can keep track of everything!
Do you have a useless talent? If yes, what is it? Don't ask me to do it, but I can whistle two notes at one time.
When you were a student, what were your favorite and least favorite subjects to study, and why? My favorite subject was art and social studies, and my least favorite was math! Now it is one of my favorite subjects to teach.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. I always have to throw in some type of sweet treat!
If you weren’t a teacher, what do you think you would be doing for a career? I would probably be in graphic design or an artist! I do a bit of that in my spare time though.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I am incredibly proud of how I have grown in approaching challenges. I feel much more confident than I did before. One thing I regret is not sticking with piano when I was younger; I wish I had continued to develop my musical skills.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? I would love to be able to have the ability to clean quickly. I need more time for my hobbies!
Share an instance where -- despite being the teacher -- you learned something from one of your students. I learn resilience from my students. No matter what challenges they face, many of them still come to school with a smile, laughing with their friends and ready to learn. Their ability to bounce back from difficult situations and maintain a positive attitude inspires me. I admire how they can embrace each day with hope and determination, reminding me that even in tough times, there’s always a reason to find joy.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? I would say to my 18-year-old self to reach out more and make connections. Enjoy being a college student and remember that what seems like a big deal at the time really isn't that significant. There's no need to stress!
Position at SDJ:Eighth-Grade Teacher, Edison Middle School
Hometown: Janesville, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 15 years
Education:Bachelor's Degree, Geography, UW-Madison; Master's Degree, Education, Auroroa University
Family:Mom and Dad, Patti and Steve; Sister Lindsay
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My first job was a newspaper carrier for The Janesville Gazette. My dad made it known that I would begin work at a young age. Getting up on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 5 a.m. to deliver those papers taught me grit and true responsibility.
What led to your decision to become a teacher? I had a minor early life crisis in my late 20s. I was living out of my suitcase and didn’t like my job as an engineer traveling around the Midwest. I ran into my eighth-grade teacher, Ed Quaerna, one summer and he convinced me to get into teaching. The rest is history!
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I wish I was a little more handy around the house. My dad was the true handyman, and he was really good at wrenching on cars. I regret not shadowing him more and showing a vested interest at a young age. They have YouTube videos now, right?
You incorporate some unique ideas into your lesson plans, such as poetry slams, food truck presentations and more. What do kids get out of opportunities like this as opposed to just listening to lectures? It is really simple: Kids remember the innovative projects you do. They aren't going to remember the wonderful lessons in HMH (the curriculum SDJ uses for ELA education). They are going to remember breaking out of their comfort zones and using their minds and imaginations to create something original. Those real-life skills are important!
You’ve got two hours of free time. What are your hobbies, or what are you most likely to be doing? What is free time? Eight months out of the year you will find me on the golf course or grilling out and enjoying a nice cold beverage. During the winter months, you will find me catching up on movies/Netflix series, hitting the gym, reading a good book or trying new recipes.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I have always been intrigued to visit Belize or Costa Rica. I am fascinated by the landscapes, wildlife and cultures of those countries. Added bonus: They are tropical and close to water.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I have a really sharp memory and can remember random numbers and facts. I should’ve got a job with NASA. I am also a human GPS -- I hardly ever need a map to get somewhere in the U.S. One time, a colleague and I were in Chicago, and we got caught in traffic. I was like, “I know a way around this.” He was quite stunned.
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. My grill. Grilling is my zen after a long day. I love trying new recipes and perfecting my next main course.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Dark Chocolate candy bars. They are my reward to myself after a long day. Disclaimer, one bar usually lasts me a full week.
If you weren’t a teacher, what do you think you would be doing for a career? I would be an on-camera meteorologist. I have always been fascinated with the weather. Storms and tornadoes fascinate me, and I am always learning more about them.
Who is your favorite Muppet? Gonzo. He knows what it’s like to be misunderstood. He is energetic, confounding and soft-hearted.
Do you have any superstitions? I like odd numbers. Things seem more in balance with odd numbers. I guess if we dive deeper into the psychology of this, it is said they bring good fortune?!
If you’re in your car, what song will get you to turn up the radio? What song will get you to turn it off? Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer” will get things rolling! Big fan of 80s music and 80s hair bands. Hanson’s “MmmBop” will get me to turn the dial real quick.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Stay at home, go to U-Rock for two years, save some money, then jump into “college.” Don’t just go because your friends are going. Also, take those tough AP calculus and science classes.
When you were a kid, what did you think you would be when you grew up? A game show host -- probably for “The Price is Right.” I was a big dreamer. Guess there is still time. Shoot, Bob Barker started hosting at the age of 49.
Position at SDJ:Fourth-Grade Teacher, Van Buren Elementary School
Hometown: Janesville, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 24 years
Education:Bachelor's Degree, Elementary Education, St. Cloud University; Master's Degree, Curriculum and Instruction, National Louis University
Family:Husband, Nate; daughters Emma, Isabel, Olivia and Nora; dog, Frankie
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My first job was as a lifeguard at the Palmer Park Wading Pool and the YMCA. The correct answer is that I learned about responsibility and the importance of communication and how to be a team player. But what I really learned is that a 15-cent raise at age 15 was pretty cool (I then made $3.85/hr) and that it can be hard to stay awake at 5 a.m. while guarding one old dude swimming laps at the Y.
What led to your decision to become a teacher? I always wanted to be a teacher. My parents said I only ever wanted to play teacher or have rummage sales when I was a kid. Many of my childhood books still have 25-cent stickers on them. Twenty-seven years later, I still enjoy teaching and am always selling things on Facebook Marketplace!
Your family travels somewhere each summer. What has been your favorite destination thus far, and what place is at the top of your wish list for the future? So far my favorite family vacation has been to the Bahamas. Last year, we took a cruise there, and several years ago we went with my brother and his family. This was one of the first vacations I also remember taking as a kid. We usually travel somewhere new each summer but now we are finding ourselves repeating trips to South Dakota and Disney because our youngest daughters weren’t born or were too little the first time we went! I would love to travel to Italy someday! It is such a beautiful country with delicious food!
You completed your student teaching on a reservation in southern Arizona. Aside from teaching experience, what did you gain from that time? My university offered a program to student-teach in Arizona -- either at a public school in Tucson or on the Tohono O'odham Reservation in Sells. I wanted a different experience, so I chose to live and teach fourth grade on the reservation. I learned so much about Native American culture as well as the challenges of teaching in this diverse environment. It was an experience I will never forget.
Do you collect anything? If so, what led you to choosing that item? My family collects a Christmas tree ornament from every trip we take. We love this because it gives us a chance to talk about past trips as we decorate our tree each winter. Being a teacher, I also collect mugs, candles and teacher trinkets!
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. My family relies on me to be the one to do the things that they don’t want to do -- correct an order at a restaurant, return an item to a store, ask for directions, etc.
Describe yourself in three words: Organized, thoughtful, sarcastic
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. An EOS mint chapstick
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Cheese salsa/queso is the best dip for chips, pretzels and pizza crust.
If you weren’t a teacher, what do you think you would be doing for a career? A real estate agent. My kids also say I would be a good power washer.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I am incredibly proud of my family. They are all independent, hardworking, kind people who I am lucky to have in my life. I regret not being in more photographs.
If you’re in your car, what song will get you to turn up the radio? What song will get you to turn it off? I will for sure turn up Earth, Wind and Fire’s “September,” Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” or Natasha Bedingfield's “Unwritten.” I will definitely turn off “Werewolves of London.”
Both you and your husband work in education. Do you find having familiar vocations to be beneficial in that you understand the pressures each other face, or detrimental because you feed off of each other? I think the fact that both of us are in education is beneficial in that we understand the stress, the politics and the joy! I believe that because we have different roles in education it is the most helpful. I try to help him see what life is like as an elementary school teacher. The hardest part is sometimes, when one of us needs to debrief a situation, sometimes the other just doesn’t want to talk about “school” anymore!
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Take your college classes more seriously and call your parents a lot more just to say “hello.”
You grew up in Janesville, left and came back? When you were younger, did you always know you’d come back someday, or did you have visions of leaving and never coming back? To be honest, I never thought I would live and raise a family in Janesville. After high school, I left and didn’t plan to return. My husband and I got our first teaching jobs in Michigan, and while we enjoyed our life there, we knew we wanted to raise our own kids around both of our families back in Janesville. We are very happy that we built our life here.
Position at SDJ:Special Education Paraprofessional, Rock University High School
Hometown: Allentown, Pennsylvania
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 26 years
Family:Husband, Steve; daughter, Kristen (son-in-law, Jake); sons Cody (daughter-in-law, Autumn) and Kyle (daughter-in-law, Melissa); grandchildren Sebastian, Dylan, Tristan, Peyton, Jace, Easton, Claire and Wilder
What was your very first job, and what did you learn from it? My first job was babysitting. We lived in a neighborhood with a lot of little kids. I actually got fired from my first family because I was 15 minutes late. At 12 years old, I really wasn't thinking about time and how my being late affected other people. That experience taught me the value of time management and respecting other people's time. I try to be early for anything I have an appointment for to this day.
What led you to a career in education? It wasn’t my initial pathway. When my oldest son started school, I was looking for something and kind of fell into a job at his school. I was volunteering there and was asked if I would be interested in a Special Education Aide position. It fit into what our family needed and turned into a 26-year adventure. Life, right!?
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I would love to learn an instrument. Drums or the ukulele, perhaps. My inner drummer from middle school never got the chance. Ended up with flute – not my jam.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? There is so much in the United States I want to see. Mountains, forests and lakes ... oh my!! One goal is to complete the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin. I would love to go back to Alaska for an entire year, but my friends and family would have to come with me. America The Beautiful – so true!
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I was a DJ at a biker bar and at a disco when I was in college. I never learned how to wear make-up. I wanted to play college basketball.
Describe yourself in three words: Patient. Flexible. Humorous.
You studied at Palmer College of Chiropractic – a rather prestigious school. Why did you not embark on a career in chiropractic? My husband and I were told we would not be able to have children naturally and would have to pursue other avenues. Shortly into our marriage, I was still at Palmer and we became pregnant. I made a choice at the time to be a mom. No regrets. A big factor in the decision was two friends at Palmer got pregnant and lost their babies due to the stress of studies and family. I did not want to take the chance of losing this gift.
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? Anything in Life Sciences. In high school, I was interested in forensic science and was just fascinated with how nature – including the human body – works.
You spend an awful lot of time at the Janesville Schools Outdoor Lab (JSOL). What is it about being in nature and sharing that interest with students that you find fulfilling? Being in nature feels like home to me. When I turn down the lane to a park or step on the trail, I immediately feel peace. Even if you say you don't like being outside, you feel that. JSOL is not your typical classroom. When I can just watch kids be kids – exploring, learning, sharing what they find, forgetting about electronics – my heart is full. Hopefully it is something they can carry with them and continue to seek out as they grow into adulthood. I like to say JSOL actually means “Just Stay Outside Longer,” and then I do.
If you weren’t a special education paraprofessional, what do you think you would be doing for a career? Back-up singer, forensic scientist or professional hiker.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I am proud of the relationship I have with my children. I regret not being able to speak a different language fluently. My three kids are adults (on paper), and I am thoroughly enjoying this stage of their lives. Being actively and positively involved in their younger years, I believe, has opened the door to staying involved and welcomed in this stage.
If you’re in your car, what song will get you to turn up the radio. What will get you to turn it off? Oh, so many. I love a good, uplifting song with a good beat. I also love my classic rock and the Rat Pack era. My playlist has anything from Aerosmith to For King and Country to AC/DC to Michael Buble to the Rolling Stones to Toby Mac. Anything disco will get me to turn it off. No explanation needed.
Share an instance where -- despite being an adult in education -- you learned something from a student. I can't really think of one instance, but rather a cumulative experience working with kindergarten
through 12th grade. Children give me a reminder of so many things in life – how to treat people, being grateful, seeing different perspectives, slowing down and listening. A little goes a long way. As humans, we are constantly navigating through something. It helps to know we are not alone on our journey, and when I can be that reminder to anyone, I consider it a great honor.
You’ve taken part in a few long-distance walking/hiking/outdoor adventure challenges on behalf of various charities. Is it the being in nature that you enjoy or are these particular charities just that special to you? Both. I was doing forest bathing and nature therapy long before they became buzzwords. I love spending time in nature, and if I can combine it with helping others through the charities I hold close to my heart, that's just fabulous. The mind and body benefits you get from being in nature and helping others is the best natural high I can think of.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Learn how to braid your hair. There have been so many times it would be useful to know how.
Position at SDJ:Innovation Specialist, Franklin MIddle School
Hometown: Evansville, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 9 years
Family:Iris, the rescue pup
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? Outside of farm life, my first job was working at Piggly Wiggly in Evansville and later Janesville. I didn't particularly love the Evansville job, but I made lifelong friends in Janesville. Working hard and always doing your best will open doors when you least expect it. I wasn't particularly looking for a job at a point in my life when I was switching careers, and Piggly Wiggly in Janesville came knocking. This led to another job in the Milwaukee area when I returned to college.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I would love to have free reign as a principal in a struggling middle school to implement my ideas in order to make it a high-performing school where students can embrace their strengths and grow from their struggles to become high-performing adults. Who wouldn't want a “Stand and Deliver”-esque opportunity?
I understand you collect bobbleheads. When and why did you start, and how many do you have? I was living in Boston when the Brewers started giving out bobbleheads. It was a fun way for me to show my pride in the Brewers. It started out small, but getting each bobblehead became a challenge. Collecting all the varieties and showing them off at home and school has been a fun way to remember the past players. I stopped counting how many I have when I hit 300.
Have you ever met anyone famous? Martin Maldonado was an MLB catcher, including a few years with the Brewers. In 2012, the Brewers sponsored a bus trip to St. Louis to play the Cardinals. My mom (a huge Maldonado fan) and my dad went with me. Less than a month earlier, mom had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but she still wanted to go. As a part of the trip, we met several players and coaches for brunch where we got autographs, and I took a picture of my mom getting Maldonado's. Fast forward to the following April, and my mom was in hospice. I sent the picture from St. Louis to the Brewers, Maldonado signed it, and they overnighted it back to us. Mom saw it shortly before she passed. A few months later, I was at a game where the Brewers were selling mystery bags of signed baseballs. I bought two but didn’t get Maldonado's. But his wife was on Twitter encouraging people to come see her. I wrote back, and she guaranteed me his autographed ball, so I went to get it. She knew exactly who I was and the entire story! It was an incredible experience.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Where else have you been? This past summer, I crossed off a bucket list item by going to the Galapagos Islands. Ever since my high school science teacher visited there, I was intrigued. In 2009, I took a weekend trip to Amsterdam to see the Anne Frank House, and I have also visited 16 of 30 major league baseball stadiums!
Describe yourself in three words: Loyal, Passionate, Appreciative
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? I loved math class the most growing up. I had great teachers who nurtured my love, allowing me to grow and get stronger in each class.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. My mom bet me when I went to college that I would be a coffee drinker by the end of my first year. I am stubborn enough that I wouldn't let her win, and I picked up the daily Diet Pepsi habit. It's not much different than an iced coffee, really. It just tastes better.
If you weren’t working in education, what do you think you would be doing for a career? I have long had a fascination with local news media. I dabbled in it, including an internship at WTMJ in Milwaukee and as a production assistant at WHDH in Boston. It looked fun and exciting covering many topics and doing something different daily. It is a very aggressive business that I thoroughly enjoyed, but I realized it just didn't fit me well. Ultimately, the daily variety of education keeps me on my toes.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. After my mom passed away from pancreatic cancer, I set a goal of raising $10,000 in her name. Across five years, I raised more than $12,000! My biggest regret is not going into teaching right away. While I had great life experiences beforehand, I was always meant to be a teacher and could have been making a difference sooner.
Share an instance where you learned something valuable from a student. Students touch our hearts more than they will ever know. As a teacher, you get all kinds of notes and gifts from students. Like most teachers, I have saved every note I've ever received. Teaching is not always easy, but stumbling on those notes every now and then shows it is worth it.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Believe in yourself and follow your heart. The teachers who were my role models growing up strongly discouraged me from pursuing a teaching career. The heart wants what the heart wants, and I ended up teaching anyway. I value my pre-teaching experiences immensely, but teaching is where I thrive.
Share one thing you consider yourself to be an expert at (or at least very good): Growing up, I was always ahead of the curve when it came to technology. Whatever it was, I could do it. I like to think I am still that guy, but I know technology has far outpaced my knowledge. It is a great challenge to learn new technology, though. My current fascination is Artificial Intelligence.
What is your favorite film/book? The original “The Lion King” is my all-time favorite movie. I find the movie hits all of the emotions and has a great overall message of believing in yourself and being loyal to your friends.
Which TV show is most likely to get you to binge watch? I watch “Friends” or “The Big Bang Theory” every day. I start one series and watch it from beginning to end, and then I do the same with the next series. It is an endless loop. I absolutely loathe most reruns, but nothing can make me laugh more than these two shows.
Position at SDJ:Music teacher, Lincoln Elementary School
Hometown: Germantown, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 11 years
Family:Husband, Tom; sons Ben and Eddie; daughters Elisa and Celia; dog, Humble, cat, Nala
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? I had started babysitting when I was 12, but my first paycheck job was being a waitress at Country Kitchen. I learned how to memorize things quickly and work at a fast pace. I hated working in the smoking section!
What led to your decision to become a teacher? I originally went to college for musical theatre. I soon found out I didn’t want to live the lifestyle of a performer. I always enjoyed working with children and felt sharing my passion for music would be a good fit.
Not only are you a teacher, but a music teacher. What is it about music that makes it such an integral part of your life? My father was a guitarist in a rock band while I was growing up, so I was exposed to a lot of music at home. Music has always been a great way to express myself and to escape.
You’re also quite committed to physical fitness, having formerly taught Zumba classes at a local gym. Why Zumba? I’ve taught Zumba for 14 years at The Janesville Athletic Club and recently started teaching again. I love the rhythms of Latin music, which are a big part of Zumba classes. Plus, I love dancing. It’s the best of both worlds!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would love to explore Ireland and Northern Europe. I love the scenic moors of Ireland and the music! It would be thrilling to hike and see the mountains and countryside in Northern Europe.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I went to modeling school while in high school and participated in a few fashion shows. I also did some modeling for Farm and Fleet years ago.
Describe yourself in three words: Resilient. Patient. Creative.
You were a cheerleader in high school. What would you say was the highlight of your cheer career? My junior year, I attended a UCA (Universal Cheerleading Association) cheer camp with my squad. They had auditions for their winter travel team, and I was selected! I traveled to England over winter break by myself to cheer with people from all over the U.S. during the Lord Mayor of West Minster’s New Year’s Day parade. We did lots of practicing and some sightseeing. It was an amazing experience!
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? Besides music, I really enjoyed Psychology in high school. The teacher did some interesting activities and experiments with our class. I even considered going into psychology after taking that class.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. I usually need my special coffee creamer – SO Delicious coconut milk with vanilla flavor. It makes or breaks my morning coffee!!!
Who is your favorite Muppet? I’ve always loved Beaker. I felt sorry for him but enjoyed the funny scenes he was in.
Would you say you’re highly organized or more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants? I do love spur of the moment adventures, but when traveling with our family I am my family’s certified vacation planner. I love finding fun Airbnbs and activities. I’ve planned some fun vacations out west, staying in a cabin right off a stream and on a horse farm. I’ve also planned vacations to South Carolina, Arizona and most recently, Canada. When you have a family of six, you have to plan ahead and be prepared.
If you’re in your car, what song will get you to turn up the radio? What song will get you to turn it off? I love lots of 80s/90s music and classic rock. I often turn away from channels that play country music.
Share an instance where -- despite being the teacher -- you learned something from one of your students. I feel I am learning from my students all the time. I learn new information about different music groups, video game music and music that is currently trending at the elementary level.
Last year, you taught while also battling breast cancer. Can you talk about the support you received from staff at Roosevelt Elementary School (her former school) and students meant to you, and where your battle stands now? My breast cancer journey has been full of lots of ups and downs. Teaching during chemo was one of the hardest things I’ve done. I had an amazing sub during that time, and she did a phenomenal job covering musical concepts while I was gone. The staff and students were so supportive. One of the first days at school, I was explaining to my students why I was wearing a head scarf and how I’d be gone on and off for a while. One student raised her hand and asked, “Is there anything we can do for you Mrs. May?” It’s so touching and humbling the amount of empathy and support from staff and students. Each word of encouragement goes a long way and has helped me to stay positive.(Note: Jessica completed infusion therapy in September 2025, and now gets check-ups and testing every 3-6 months).
Position at SDJ:Student Nutrition Assistant, Madison Elementary School
Hometown: Elkhart, Indiana
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 5 years
Education: High school diploma, Elkhart (Ind.) Memorial High School
Family:Husband, Freddie; sons Trenton, Davion, Tristan and Tyshawn
What is the most recognizable change in school lunches between now and back when you were a student? School lunches are so much better now, and it’s not just one thing in line in the menu. There’s more to choose from.
At work, what is something that really makes your day? The people you work with, having fun laughing at one another, and working as a team to get the job done. That and talking to the kids about how their days are going.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? If I could learn to do one thing it would be to be a nurse. That’s something I wanted to be since I was a little girl. I have such a caring heart, and I always think of others before myself. My youngest sister always reminds me of the kind heart I have.
You enjoy doing crossword puzzles. What is it about them that you love so much? The peace and relaxation, and just focusing on that. It’s like my mind is just at peace.
You have two hours of free time. What are you most likely to do? Probably go and try to reorganize my house or go do a little shopping at Ross, my favorite store. Or, if it’s a day out of school, finding something to do with my boys.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I’m a boy mom who loves her kids, and I hate missing work if I don’t have to be off. I have to make sure my job is done right when I start it, and before I leave work, I double check it all.
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study and why? Math and Science. With math I just liked sitting at the table doing my homework, and in science because we used to dissect frogs. But now that I think about that, it makes my stomach upset.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. I have to have my candy. I’m not a big chocolate eater, but I love the old-fashioned candy. It’s the SUGAR!
In your experience, what seem to be the most popular and least popular lunch options at Madison? Kids love popcorn chicken and they love orange chicken with rice. The least-liked thing is mac and cheese.
You spend a lot of your day preparing food at school. Do you enjoy cooking at home, or would you rather not have to deal with food outside of your job? No! I used to cook, but now I see food so much that nothing sounds good. When I get home and sit down, I’d rather not even deal with food. My husband cooks all the time at my home. He’s the cook of the family.
What would you say is your favorite thing to eat? I love eating salads, fried rice, carrots and chips. I’m not a big meat eater. I’ll bake chicken and potatoes, or fried potatoes and onions.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I’m proud of being able to adopt four babies and raising them to become great young men with kind hearts. I can’t say I really regret anything in my life at this time.
Do you have any hobbies? I used to love just going shopping, but now I love reading my Bible every day.
What is your “go-to” move to make a child smile? Just talking to the child or giving them a high-five or just a hug. Sometimes that’s all a child needs is to be recognized.
What do you find most frustrating and most gratifying about being a food service worker? I can’t say I find anything frustrating about my job. I love serving the kids, handing them trays with food on them. That really touches my heart – especially right now, because I know times are hard for everyone.
Family:Wife, Carrie (teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School); sons Luke, Max and Grant; dog Macy
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? I worked at Viking Village Campground in Stoughton, where I learned to be reliable, to work hard and to show kindness.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I wish I had better typing skills, because it is required in so many different aspects of life.
Share a mistake you’ve made that taught you a valuable lesson. There are no real mistakes. One valuable lesson that I learned is if you truly want something done right, you are better off doing it yourself.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Hawaii, because of the beautiful views and the delicious food.
You won a Channel 15 Crystal Apple Award a couple of years back. The ovation you received from students was impressive. What did you feel at that moment? Shocked and nervous. I appeared to be confident most of the time, but I don’t prefer the spotlight on me. There have been plenty of people who have helped me along the way to get me to that point in my life. I also believe they gave me that award based on my stunning good looks.
Name something you have never done that it seems everyone else has. Use social media. I don’t have any of it.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I have 10 stepbrothers and stepsisters.
Describe yourself in three words: Hardworking. Fun. Kind.
When you were a student, what were your favorite and least favorite subjects to study, and why? My favorite subject was PE, and my least favorite was math because I am a perfectionist. I hated not getting the answers right.
If you weren’t a teacher, what do you think you would be doing for a career? I would be a Realtor, because I am very interested in homes and working with people. I also believe I would be a good salesman.
You have two hours of free time. What are you most likely to be doing? Four-wheeling, golfing and hanging out with people.
If you’re in your car, what song will get you to turn up the radio? What song will get you to turn it off? Morgan Wallen and AC/DC get me to blast my speakers, but sad songs are an instant skip in my playlist.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? Teleportation. I hate how long traveling takes.
Share an instance where -- despite being the teacher -- you learned something from one of your students. I learn things all the time. I teach many strength and conditioning classes and learn a lot of new exercises from my students.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Appreciate every day and enjoy it. Don’t count the days. Make the days count!
Position at SDJ:EL Teacher, Lincoln Elementary School
Hometown: Harvard, Illinois
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ:12 years
Education:Bachelor's Degree, Spanish Business and Translation, Northern Illinois University; Master's Degree, Business Administration, University of Phoenix; Bachelor's Degree, dual licensure for Early Childhood/Special Education, UW-Whitewater; ESL/Bilingual Education licensure through CESA 2
Family:Husband, Jon; stepson, Auston; son, Landon; dogs Avery and Zola
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? Corn detasseling. It taught me the meaning of hard work and dedication to keeping a job no matter how much I disliked doing it. It also gave me a sense of independence.
What led to your decision to become a teacher? I was working as an EBD/LD/ELL/ID paraprofessional at Marshall Middle School. That is when I knew teaching was my jam. I had a knack for it. The students taught me so much about myself and the abilities I possess to become a good teacher and advocate for my students and their families.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? Play an instrument (piano/guitar) and sing. My husband’s side of the family is musically talented, and I want to be able to join in when they are singing. I’ve always wanted to get up and do a song at a karaoke night.
English isn’t necessarily the primary language for the students you teach. If you were to learn a language you are unfamiliar with, which language would you choose and why? If I were to learn another language, it would be Portuguese. A few of my EL students are from Brazil, and it would be amazing if I could have a conversation with them and their families. I’ve always wanted to visit Brazil and experience the culture and food.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? This is a hard one for me because traveling is what makes me and my family the happiest. However, if I could travel anywhere in the world it would be to Europe. My family and I have always dreamed of visiting a few places in Europe.
Name something you have never done that it seems everyone else has. Get fired from a job as a teenager. I’ve been working since I was 14 years old and have held up to two jobs throughout my lifespan.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. Even though I might act tough and confident, I’m shy and tend to be more of an observant before jumping into a conversation – unless it’s something I’m very passionate about.
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. My phone. It allows me to communicate with my loved one, helps me get around (can’t live without the GPS) and it helps me stay connected with friends and family from afar.
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? My favorite subject to study was Spanish. As someone who grew up in a bilingual home, it was important for me to continue speaking my home language before I started forgetting it. Being able to speak Spanish to my students and families is very important to me and to them.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Cheese. After moving to Wisconsin from Illinois, it just seemed cheese was the one thing I would consistently need when making dinner. I mean, who doesn’t love cheese?
If you weren’t a teacher, what do you think you would be doing for a career? A good career for me would be family advocate. As a bilingual teacher and parent, I have noticed the need for family advocacy – especially with families freshly entering the country for the first time and needing guidance.
Who is your favorite Muppet? Kermit the Frog is my favorite because he is a calm, level-headed character who is constantly trying to keep everything together as he is surrounded by craziness. Story of my life, and I can relate with Kermit.
If you’re in your car, what song will get you to turn up the radio? What song will get you to turn it off? I enjoy listening to a variety of music, but the songs that will get me to turn up the radio are those with a little beat – some reggaeton. The songs that make me want to turn off the radio are heavy metal. I’m not a big fan of screaming into the microphone and my not being able to understand what is being said.
Share an instance where -- despite being the teacher -- you learned something from one of your students. To be present in the moment and give students that extra 5 minutes they need to talk about their weekend or night.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Put away 50% of my paycheck and continue saving money as I get older.
Position at SDJ:Paraprofessional, Craig High School
Hometown: Janesville, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 20 years
Education:Parker High School graduate (1991); some college classes at UW-Rock County, Blackhawk Technical College and, most recently, UW-Milwaukee
Family:Husband, Stacey; daughter and son-in-law, Isabella and Trenton Dominy; sons, Jake and Gabe and, coming soon, Baby Dominy (due in Sept. 2024); dogs, Maggie and Macie; cats, Bert, Ernie, Grover and Abby Cadabby; grandpups, Jack and Lambeau, and grandcat, Puma.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My first job was at Riverside Golf Course when I was 12 years old. My family owned the business that leased and ran the city golf courses through my teenage years. I started by bussing tables during league nights one night a week. I would get change for tips, and that would add up. At the age of 14, I was officially put on the payroll at the golf course to work at the snack bar. I have many fond memories of working there over the years. I learned that I loved working with people and helping them in any way possible.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I would learn how to dance. I have no rhythm and can’t dance to save my life.
Do you have any hobbies? My hobbies are anything that taps into my creative brain. I love art. I enjoy designing and creating things. This includes the design process, the creation process, drawing, painting and whatever else comes along with the project. I also love creating anything artsy, digitally. I love going through my family photos and creating such memorable keepsakes for my children and loved ones. I also love creating visuals of any kind, especially bus route visuals for any student in the district. I learned to ask my husband for help if it actually involves wood, saws and tools. I tried to redesign my wood deck one time to add a really neat feature, and actually cut into the supports. He was not happy. So now, he helps build anything that involves building materials. We have done some very nice pieces together, with our favorite being a LEGO table that folds up and down. I always have a vision, and bringing it to life is fun for me -- even though it might be a bit stressful for him or costly at times. He’s usually a good sport about it. He gets me and my visions.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would travel to New Zealand. The mountains and beaches look breathtaking. I love lakes, beaches and mountains. So, to have all of it in one scenic view would be spectacular.
If you’re in the car, which song will get you to turn up the radio, and what song will get you to turn it off? Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark,” for sure. My older brother, who is a musician, loved listening to and playing music during out teenage years. He played a lot of Bruce Springsteen music, so I had a lot of exposure to his tunes. We never had cable TV growing up, but on regular TV there was a show called “Friday Night Videos.” Although our parents wouldn’t allow us to watch the show, we would sneak and watch it when they were gone. So the “Dancing in the Dark” video became my favorite. I like all kinds of music, but I’d have to say that any heavy metal song gets turned off.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I actually won the yearly Parker yearbook cover design contest in 1989, 1990 and 1991. I was never in the Yearbook Club, but they always had an open school contest. I was over the moon, ecstatic, and so honored to be able to design each of those yearbook covers. The names were Check It Out (1988-89). Wild, Wild West (1989-90) and Dare to Be Different (1990-91). I actually got to work on bringing my design for Wild, Wild West to life at Terry Printing with a classmate who was in the Yearbook Club. That was such a memorable experience. The “Check It Out” yearbook actually had a cameo in a YouTube video, “Parker Lip Dub,” on March 24, 2014. You can watch it here.
Name a skill you wish you had. I wish I had learned keyboarding skills. When I was in high school, keyboarding was taught mainly for students who wanted to be receptionists. I knew I didn’t ever want to be a receptionist. Obviously, technology is so much more important now than I ever thought it would be. If I knew how to be a fast typer, I feel like I could succeed in more areas of my life – especially in my career. I have tried so many times to teach myself, but I just can’t seem to catch on.
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. I could not live without my Waterpik toothbrush and flosser. I have to have clean teeth at all times. I love going to the dentist and having that clean-teeth feeling, so I try my best to keep that feeling all year long. I’m not sure I could function at 100% without it.
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? My favorite subject was anything in the Art Hall. I absolutely loved art class and all the lessons I learned. It makes me sad when people think art class should be an easy “A.” Art is a real class, and the teachers are passionate about what they teach. I had the best Art teachers at Parker -- Mr. Baban and Mrs. Behling. I will forever remember them and be grateful for them.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. I don’t grocery shop; my husband does all of that. But on the rare occasion that I do, I always like to get a Dr. Pepper and Red Vines.
If you weren’t working in education, what do you think you would be doing for a career? I would definitely be a graphic artist. I love anything related to art. Mrs. Behling, my art teacher from Parker, let me go along with her on a weekend day-trip to MIAD (Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design) when I was a junior. She had me bring my portfolio. It was so fun. They loved everything in my portfolio and welcomed me to attend their school after graduation. Next, we made a stop in Lake Geneva to attend (Mrs. Behling’s) art show. She was such an inspiration to me. She believed in me. I wish I would have followed all of her advice.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. The first thing I am proud of would be family, but something not as obvious would be that I bought my first home all by myself, as a single mother, when I was 23 years old. I have many regrets, but the main one is not just stopping to smell the flowers as my three children grew up. We had a lot of great memories, but I just wish we all slowed down and really enjoyed each day.
You have two hours of free time. What do you do? I’d like to say I do this and that to make myself look more productive than I really am, but honestly, I’m taking a nap. I love naps, even if they only last 15 minutes or turn into hours.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? I would set my family up financially and, in return, they would have to work alongside each other on my next idea. I would purchase several houses that could be set up like CHOICE (my former school in the SDJ), but be residences for our students and others in the community who have disabilities to live in. Each home would be dedicated to the one who taught me the most about loving and caring for someone with disabilities – my sister, Amy. There is such a need for day programs and homes for adults with disabilities. Each place would have a couple of cats and dogs, because animals are very therapeutic. Each place would have a brand-new van for transportation. I would hire my former co-workers – Ronda, HD, Shana, Taye and whoever else I work with or have worked with – to come along for the adventure. I would pay each of them a million-dollar signing bonus, and things would run smoothly because of them and their knowledge.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? It goes fast. Don’t waste time on stupid things because someday you’ll wonder why you spent time worrying about such minute things. Let me be honest, I am still trying to teach myself this.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? The first job I ever had was working at a local roller skating rink/arcade when I was in high school. I learned several things from the experience, including how to actually skate, as well as a decent amount of mechanical know-how from being the person who had to repair the arcade machines. I also learned a great deal of patience as another part of my job was to teach young children how to skate.
What led to your decision to become a teacher? A variety of things. When I entered college I was originally studying veterinary medicine, but when I was 2 years into the program I realized it wasn't what I wanted. While exploring options I looked back on teaching those kids how to skate, along with tutoring other students while in high school and realized I enjoyed the feeling of teaching someone a new skill. Combining that with a love for science, I entered into the education program with an emphasis in Biology.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? To play the guitar. I took some lessons in my youth but never really followed through. I regret that now, and wish I had stuck with it.
You are a big fan of science fiction movies and novels. What are two of your favorite films and two of your favorite books? Two favorite films: The original “Alien” film. I enjoyed it because not only was it a great movie as a standalone, but it spawned a large number of novelizations expanding the “Alien” universe. I also like the original “Planet of the Apes” from 1968. I felt it was a good movie for a number of reasons. It had an interesting storyline, good acting, and I found the practical effects for the time (rubber ape masks that you can clearly see the eye holes) entertaining. Two books: “I-Robot” by Isaac Asimov. The structure of the novel made it a fun read, and as you read, trying to figure out what will happen next and how the story will progress was enjoyable. It is also fun reading any "classic" sci-fi novel because it will say things like "The amazing far- off year of 2007.” I also liked the original “Foundation” novel. Being set so far in the future, reading the original foundation novel is interesting, as having been written in 1951, it talks about technologies that even now we are nowhere near having, but then it talks about having a microwave in your house as being the peak of technology and convenience. It is interesting to see the beliefs people had regarding the future of technology.
You are also an avid outdoors person. When did you discover your love for nature, and what about it seems to lift you up? My father loved to hike and would frequently take me with him. Combine that with a love for snakes, frogs, and insects which my mother would not let me bring into the house, I spent a lot of time as a kid outside. As a kid I lived near a very small forest that I always explored when I had a chance. Now as an adult, I have gained an interest in Astronomy. Being able to go out somewhere remote where the night sky is not influenced by artificial light is relaxing. Being able to just look up at the stars.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Pretty much anywhere that I could see the Northern Lights. The location itself wouldn't really matter to me. Seeing the lights would be the goal of the trip.
Science tends to be a topic that is either very popular with a student or not popular at all. How do you reach the student who is intimidated by science? It’s an interesting challenge trying to work with a student who does not like science for one reason or another. I try to relate it to something they enjoy. If a student enjoys sports, you can apply physics to that. If a student likes nature, apply ecology. And when all else fails, most students enjoy watching the chemistry teacher start fires and do crazy reactions at the front of the class.
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. My computer. I use it for work, data storage and to keep in touch with friends that moved to different states after college. Not having a computer would make it much more difficult to keep in touch with people
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? When I was in school, I loved science class. Science has so many different fields that even if you aren't interested in the more math-heavy disciplines (physics), you could take something like oceanography or ecology. The courses in school usually had the most interesting projects to work on.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Spices. I know that encompassess a lot of different things, but it is the only thing I can think of. You can cook pretty much any type of food and make it good as long as you have a decent assortment of spices.
If you weren’t a science teacher, what do you think you would be doing for a career? If I wasn't a science teacher, the dream would be to become a vintner. I already make my own wine, but being able to do it on a large scale and produce different varieties and find recipes that work would be a fun career.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I am proud that I was part of the GoBabyGo program last year and this year. Seeing the joy on the faces of the kids who received a mobility device was a great experience. I regret not sticking with a lot of hobbies in my youth. I would flit from interest to interest but never really focus long enough to build a lasting skill.
Aside from being in a remote location, how is teaching virtually different from teaching in a classroom? You have to make your lessons much more engaging. In a traditional classroom, the kids still have distractions, but when I teach students who are sitting at home, they have their phones, their game systems, their TVs, a spare computer off to the side, their pets … all kinds of things that I now have to compete against to maintain the student’s attention.
Share an instance where -- despite being the teacher -- you learned something from one of your students. Once I mentioned an issue I was having with my car when a student asked how my day was going. The student was the son of a mechanic, and he walked me through how to troubleshoot the issue with my car. I appreciated the lesson on auto mechanics that day.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? I would probably say to jump right into the education major rather than spend two years in another major. As soon as I began taking the education courses, I realized it was what I wanted to do, and I could have finished college two years sooner than I did.
Name:Ariel Frisk (Update:Frisk left the School District of Janesville at the end of the 2024-25 school year).
Position at SDJ:Office Assistant/Health Aide, Van Buren Elementary School
Hometown: Roscoe, Illinois
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ:5 years
Education:Some college courses
Family: Husband, Jon; daughter, Delilah; son, Lucas
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? The first job I ever had was at a concession stand for a baseball league when I was 14. I loved it! I had a lot of responsibilities when it came to running the concession stand and closing it down. I learned a lot about customer service back then.
Talk about your interest in Manga, what it is and how you got into it. Manga is a style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels. (I am unable to read the Japanese ones). They are typically aimed towards adults and children who like Anime, which I do, and that is how I came to love reading them when I was younger.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? To expand my knowledge of exotic animals. When I was younger I always dreamed of working as a zoologist.
What is your favorite color, and why? My favorite color is teal. I have always had a love for teal ever since I was little. My mom has always had a passion for collecting turquoise stones and jewelry, and I believe that's where my passion for that color came from.
Crochet. What is the most elaborate thing you’ve made, and what keeps you interested in this hobby? The most elaborate thing I have made to this date is a little tiny fox. I recently learned how to make cute little crochet animals, and the patterns are so easy to follow!
You have a variety of tattoos. Is there one that is your favorite, or one that holds particularly significant meaning to you? A lot of my tattoos hold some special meaning to me in one way or another, whether it represents something about me, my family or one of my many interests. The one that holds the most significant value to me currently is the memorial tattoo I have for my father on my right arm. I feel tattoos have always been a way for me to express myself, and I have had a love of them even before I had reached the appropriate age to where I could start getting tattooed.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. Not many people know this other than the ones I have shared it with, but I have a BB behind my right eye from a BB gun. When I was younger, there was an incident where I was near someone who was shooting a BB gun and the shot ended up ricocheting off something and hitting me square in the face. We didn’t find out it was there until 3 years later when I got X-rays for braces.
Describe yourself in three words: Caring. Weird. Loud.
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. My car. I have been fortunate enough in my life to where I have always had transportation ever since I started driving at the age of 16. My vehicle takes me wherever I need to go and I am very grateful for it!
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? My favorite subject was photography. I have had a fascination with photography since I was little. Watching my Nana collect and develop film along with my mother and father’s passion to take pictures of everything really helped build that fascination. I absolutely loved the two years I had photography class and all the hands-on experience I got with developing film.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Apples. We love apples in my family! My kids could have them for just about every meal, and I myself have one every morning for breakfast!
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I am incredibly proud of my children. My children are my pride and joy and I will show them off at any time! My daughter is an excellent artist and does amazing in school. My son just started preschool this last year and his teacher has said a few times now that he is the leader in the class. When it comes to things I regret, I try not to hold onto too much. But I would say I regret not having more time with my Dad. Losing time with him and him not being able to watch his grandchildren grow definitely is a huge loss in my eyes.
What are some common misconceptions about what a paraprofessional does at a school? I have worked as a special education paraprofessional since I was 20 (11 years altogether), and I just retired to the front office two years ago. I would say the one common misconception I found in that field is that some feel we are just the teachers’ assistants. Which, yes, as a para you help out the teachers a great deal, but there is a lot more to it than that. We build these great relationships with the students we work with day in and day out, and we get to know them as well as our own children. Building those relationships is one thing I have always been the most proud of when it comes to working with my students.
What is your go-to move to get a kid to smile? To try and crack a joke or be a little goofy. I feel that when you act a little goofy/silly, it humanizes you to children and makes you less scary. Because as we all know, adults are scary, LOL.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? To hold fast and be patient. Love the ones dear to you now before your time with them runs out. Remember you are weird, but that makes you unique, and you are loved for it!
Position at SDJ:GED Option 2 Teacher, Rock River Charter School
Hometown: Metamora, Illinois
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 3 years
Education: Bachelor's Degree, Sociology/Anthropology, North Central College; Special Education Certificate, Norda 10Sped Program
Family:Daughters Emma and Lilia; son, Isaac
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My first job was detasseling corn during the summer between seventh and eighth grades, followed soon by washing dishes in a family friend’s restaurant. Both jobs taught me the value of hard work, humility and making the most of seemingly terrible situations.
What led to your decision to become a teacher? I was never a good student and certainly did not want to become a teacher when I was younger. I spent some time after college substitute teaching for special education classrooms in between other work gigs and found it to be rewarding and enjoyable. I eventually went back to school to become certified as a special education teacher and the rest is history, I guess.
When you’re not at work, you enjoy hiking, camping and canoeing. What is it about being outdoors that you find so enjoyable? My mind is constantly racing, thinking about everything I need to accomplish. I like having the chance to eliminate the distractions of the everyday and pare life down to its most essential elements: food, shelter and moving toward the next destination.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? There are so many places in the world I intend to visit someday. My wife and I are hoping to travel to China this summer as part of the international teaching program, and are planning to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro next summer for our 20th anniversary. Peru, Thailand and New Zealand are some other possible destinations that come to mind.
You have two hours of free time. What are you most likely to do? I’ve taken up playing the drums again after about a 30-year hiatus, so I would definitely spend some of that time practicing. Otherwise, I would likely spend it hanging out with my family or finishing up projects around the house. There is never enough time for those!
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I’m in the process of starting a nonprofit group dedicated to cleaning up and protecting Whitewater Creek, which flows very near my house. I'm interested in improving environmental conditions and access to paddling opportunities in the area.
Describe yourself in three words: Genuine. Humble. Introspective.
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study and why? When I was younger, I loved science. I always thought I would be a scientist or an astronaut someday. Not sure what happened to those plans to be honest!
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Good cheese, or good beer. No explanation needed, I think.
If you weren’t a teacher, what do you think you would be doing for a career? The list is long and changes day-to-day. Historic beer brewer, wooden boat builder, wilderness trip guide to name a few.
Sith or Jedi? Jedi for sure. I wouldn’t make a very good bad guy.
When you’re listening to the radio in your car, what song will get you to sing along and what song will get you to change the station? Sing along: Just about anything made in the ’80s. Station changer: Just about anything country, but not old-school country.
What do you find most frustrating and most gratifying about being a GED Option 2 teacher? The most frustrating part of the job is being inside all day and spending a large amount of time on the computer. The most gratifying part is seeing kids ring the graduation bell and knowing everything they went through to make it to that point.
Share an instance where -- despite being the teacher -- you learned something from one of your students. It’s honestly hard to think of just one instance. I think I’ve learned from every student I’ve ever taught. Maybe one of these years I’ll have learned enough to be a good teacher :)
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? I would advise myself to take school more seriously and to start investing in an IRA. Who knows, maybe I could have retired by this point!
Position at SDJ:Physical Education Teacher, Monroe Elementary School
Hometown:Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 29 years
Education:Bachelor’s Degree, Physical Education and History, UW-La Crosse; Master’s Degree, Curriculum and Instruction, UW-Whitewater
Family:Parents, Eric and Fay; Stepmother Yvonne; Sister Gina; Brother Andy; Nieces and nephew Grace, Delilah and Ryan; fur babies Runner and Dozer
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My first cash-paying job was cleaning a yacht when I was 11 or 12. It was docked where my Dad worked in my hometown of Sturgeon Bay. The owners would come up from Chicago on the weekends to use it and wanted it looking its best. I would ride my bike to the marina a couple times a week to clean. I remember jumping in the water one time to clean algae from the water line. What I learned was that having a little spending money of my own was a great thing.
What led to your decision to become a phy ed teacher? I looked at what I really enjoyed and what my strengths were. I always enjoyed physical education class, participating in sports and the energy of young people.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? Maybe to learn to drive a race car and then take a couple of laps around a track.
You coordinate the school district’s All-City Track Meet each year. What is the most challenging aspect of organizing such a huge event and what is the most gratifying aspect? The most challenging aspect of organizIng the track meet is the weather. I try not to look at the weather forecast until just a couple days prior to the event. I have no control over the weather, and that causes me to lose sleep. Making the decision to reschedule the track meet to the rain date is a difficult and often unpopular one. The most gratifying aspect is watching students compete to the best of their abilities and seeing the nervousness, determination and excitement on their faces. I also love listening to student conversations. They are often so supportive of each other even when competing against each other.
You are a past Ironman competitor. How many times have you competed, what has been your best time, and how do you prepare for such a grueling race? I was a 2012 Ironman Wisconsin finisher. This was my only Iron distance (140.6 miles) triathlon. One and done! It was a fabulous day. I had a great support crew of family and friends and I enjoyed just about every mile of it. I finished in 13 hours and 56 minutes, which was 4 minutes faster than I thought my best possible time could be. I have completed six half-irons, a handful of Olympic distance and too many sprint distance triathlons to count. I pride myself on being prepared, so I started my Ironman research more than a year before the event. I read books and various training plans. I spoke with other Ironman finishers to ask advice about how best to fuel my body throughout the long day. I started my actual physical training plan nine months prior to the event. During peak training, I was spending 20-22 hours a week swimming, biking and running. Thank goodness I have summers off.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I love to downhill ski. After visiting Switzerland and Austria during the summer a while back, I vowed to come back in the winter to ski the Alps.
As a physical education teacher, what is the key to getting kids motivated to exercise and stay healthy? I find the best way to motivate students is to show excitement for what I'm teaching and demonstrating that I value exercise and healthy choices in my own life. I need to be a salesperson for living an active lifestyle and convince students of the lifelong benefits. Whenever I’m out on a run or bike ride and I see one of my students, I make it a point to say, “Hello.” I want my students to know Ms. Haberli practices what she preaches.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I love 70s music, even Disco.
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. My running shoes. Comfortable footwear is a must.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Flavored coffee creamer. It would be a rough start to my day if I only had milk to add to my morning coffee.
If you weren’t a teacher, what career path do you think you might have followed? In my next life, I would love to be a judge for the Spring/Holiday Baking Championship on The Food Network. That seems like a really good gig.
What was your favorite gym class activity when you were a student? Why was it your favorite? I liked all the activities in elementary school except for square dancing. In high school, I always looked forward to the badminton unit. The PE teachers would organize a round-robin doubles tournament, and the winning team got to play the teachers. It was a lot of fun and pretty intense. In college, I loved my folk dance class, which is surprising given my previous dislike of square dancing.
If you cook, what would you say is your specialty? If you don’t cook, what is your favorite style of cuisine? I enjoy eating much more than cooking. My areas of strength are baking and grilling.
Share an instance where -- despite being the teacher -- you learned something from one of your students. I learn from my students everyday. Some of what I learn is useful; some not so much. Over my career, I have learned much about ingenuity and perseverance from my students with physical limitations. Years ago, I had a student with a prosthetic leg who was determined to inline skate. The skate was heavy and kept pulling her prosthetic loose. We worked together to figure out how best to make modifications so she could skate with success. From that situation, I learned to ask students with limitations what they need from me to be able to participate to the fullest.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? In the future, there will be a company called Apple. Invest whatever you can.
Position at SDJ:Student Nutrition Site Lead, Harrison Elementary School
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ:20 years
Education:Graduate, Notre Dame High School, Chicago. Some college courses at Northern Illinois University and nursing courses at Kishwaukee College
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? The first job I ever had was at Harczak’s Sausage Shop in Chicago. I learned that I was a quick learner and dependable. I was acknowledged as a hard worker and appreciated, which made my first experience very positive. I also learned the difficulty of communicating with language barriers as most of my customers spoke Polish – and I did not.
At work, what is something that really makes your day? As a site lead at Harrison, there is nothing better than a conversation with a student. It can be a funny moment, something serious they just want to tell someone or a compliment on or critique of our food.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I would love to be fluent in a second language. I grew up with most people around me being bilingual. I find languages fascinating.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? The one place I have wanted to travel is Ireland. My grandparents came from there. My Uncle Jack was an amazing Irishman, and he made me so curious when describing the beauty and sharing the family history that I have wanted to see it for myself.
You have two hours of free time. What are you most likely to do? I am a people person. I would definitely go either on a walk with my daughter and her dog, hike and hammock with my son, go to brunch with my husband or catch up with my girlfriends -- kayaking or grabbing a Diet Coke.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. People might be surprised to know that I was an extremely shy, quiet child/adolescent. I even won the “Quietest Girl Scout Award” once.
What is your “go-to” move to make a child smile? Probably dancing in the hallway with them. I’ve also been known to wear silly glasses and such just to surprise them. Elementary students love to see adults be human/silly, and they really respond -- even the fifth-graders!
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? I loved English and reading classes. I was always reading. I also loved creative writing. My sixth-grade reading teacher, Mrs. Stahura, was so enthusiastic that it was contagious. She always had new books for me to read.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Tazo chai tea. It is shelf-stable, and I don’t want to run out. Jackie, my co-worker at Harrison, and I never start a day without a chai!
In your experience, what seem to be the most popular and least popular lunch options at Harrison? The most popular items this year on our lunch menu are probably orange chicken, macaroni and cheese and any type of chicken nugget. I would say the least popular items are sandwiches. Most fruits and vegetables are a hit with the exception of jicama and cauliflower.
You spend a lot of your day preparing food at school. Do you enjoy cooking at home, or would you rather not have to deal with food outside of your job? After handling food and dishes all day, I would say that I am not always in the mood to cook at home. I tend to like something simple like salads and soups.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I am proud of being good with relationships. I am proud to be close to my family and good friends. I would say people know that I am loyal and that they can rely on me. Something I regret is probably not finishing my nursing degree. However, that would have changed the course of my life and I had the most important and most wonderful job staying home with my children.
Do you have any hobbies? My hobbies are walking/hiking, kayaking and reading. I have had some fabulous hiking trips “Up North” and to some national parks with my adult children. Kayaking is so relaxing, and I get to enjoy going with my “lunch lady” friend, Jackie. Being outdoors is always so invigorating. I am also curious to try pickleball sometime and am currently trying to learn the ukulele.
What do you find most frustrating and most gratifying about being a lunch hostess? The most frustrating part of my job is the time crunch. There are only two of us at Harrison, so there is not much breathing room to get breakfast, lunch and paperwork done. The most gratifying part of my job is accomplishing all that! I am proud that as busy as we are, I think our students and the other staff in the building know we are positive, approachable, and we take time to care..
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? I would say to slow down and savor every stage of life so you can have not only the experiences but the incredible memories to carry with you forever.
Position at SDJ:Speech Teacher, Wilson Elementary School
Hometown: Janesville, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 2 years
Education:Master's Degree, Communication Sciences and Disorders, UW-Whitewater
Family: Husband, Zach; son, Cooper; dog, Louis
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? I worked at Culver’s for my first job and loved it! It taught me a lot about work ethic and working with people with different personalities.
What led to your decision to become a teacher? I've always loved helping others and knew I wanted to work with kids. I was in speech therapy as a kid, and it helped me a lot. Being a speech therapist seemed like the perfect fit for me!
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I would love to learn how to take better pictures, so I can capture beautiful memories with my family and the different things we do.
Please offer a brief description of what your job as a speech teacher entails. I work with kids ages 3-11. I work with kids on a variety of skills. Some of my job is helping kids speak different speech sounds correctly and learning how to speak smoothly. Another part of my job helps kids learn how to understand and use language to ask/answer questions, learn new vocabulary words or produce sentences that make sense. I also help kids who might not use their voices when communicating learn how to use alternative methods of communication through augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods -- high tech devices, pictures or signs.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would love to go to Copenhagen, Denmark, to take my son to all of the fun playgrounds and try their different pastries.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I played the violin for almost 20 years. I haven't picked it up in a few years due to having my son, but I loved playing it for different weddings and events!
Describe yourself in three words: Smiley, Patient, Empathetic.
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. I could not live without my Kindle. It's one of my favorite ways to unplug and relax.
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? I loved Social Studies and learning about other cultures.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. In my house, it would probably be chips of any kind. We love them!
If you weren’t a teacher, what do you think you would be doing for a career? If I wasn't a teacher, I think I would be working in some sort of other helping field. I love helping, working with and learning from other people.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I am proud that I've tried many different settings of speech pathology -- inpatient, outpatient, skilled nursing facility and school settings. I've worked really hard to learn about how speech therapists can support individuals across the lifespan, and I feel a deep sense of pride related to my career. I regret not getting a dog sooner. We love our furry family member, and he's been the best snuggly addition to our family!
Without naming names, can you share a particular victory you’ve had in helping a student improve their speech abilities? Last year, I helped a student learn how to use his AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device to communicate with others. The student uses it to tell us names of his favorite animals. He's also used it in different parts of the school, and it's been so inspiring watching him find his "voice" to let others know what he wants and thinks. He's amazing!
Share an instance where -- despite being the teacher – you learned something from one of your students. My early childhood students continually teach me that I need to follow their lead and use their interests to get the best speech therapy results! We have the best sessions when we are silly and laughing.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Take every opportunity throughout college or post-grad. It might not seem like the perfect fit at the time, but you will likely end up learning new skills and meeting new people.
Position at SDJ:Music Teacher, Kennedy Elementary School
Hometown: Pineville, New York
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ:17 years
Education:Bachelor’s degree, Music Education and Music Performance for Guitar, Ithaca College; Master's degree, Education - Professional Development, UW-La Crosse
Family: Wife, Becky; daughters, Keira and Zoe
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? I mowed the lawn and raked leaves at a very small local cemetery. It only had to be done before Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day but even so, it was many hours of physical labor in the hot sun. Having to mow around gravestones was all done by a non self-propelled push mower. I definitely have a respect and appreciation for people who do physical labor in harsh conditions as a result.
What led to your decision to become a music teacher? I have always loved the guitar since picking it up in eighth grade. When I got to high school I started to think of ways I could do it for a living. My mom was an elementary school special education teacher, and I always loved that we were able to spend a lot of quality family time with her schedule – especially in the summer. Teaching music offered me the opportunity to pursue my passion for music and to have a great work-family balance. I also had the fortune of having a couple of really great music teachers growing up, which helped guide my decision.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I love learning new things and pursuing interests. I think being curious about the world around you keeps life exciting and fun. After playing in enough bands, I'd really love to learn to be a great rock drummer. There is just something about pounding out a rhythmic groove that really speaks to me. I've dabbled in it a bit and have even played drums for a couple songs in live settings, but it is not something that comes easily to me and would take years of dedication to be good at.
You perform as part of the self-named Evan Riley Band. How long have you been performing, and how did you get your start playing out? Let's see, I think our first show was way back in 2012. I had played rhythm/lead guitar in a lot of bands going back to high school but never was the frontman of any of those groups. I never really considered leading my own band and writing my own music since I thought of myself as a guitarist and not a singer. Due to some changes in education and restructuring in 2011, I had been laid off from my teaching job, and things were a bit in limbo for a few months. This inspired me to pick up my guitar and write my own songs for the very first time. That led to a few open mics, recording a demo, and eventually a full-length album. I decided to put a band together with my friends for my CD release show and we never looked back.
I know you play guitar, but what other instruments do you play? Are there any you can’t play that you wish you could or that you plan to learn? I can play almost any instrument with a small level of proficiency, but I wouldn't consider myself really good at many of them. Like I said before, I'd really love to be able to play the drum set well. I'd also love to be more proficient on piano. Both instruments have amazing capabilities that I just find fascinating and frustrating at the same time.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would love to go to Ireland. Taking in the food and beautiful scenery and tracing back some of my ancestral roots. I also imagine pub hopping and listening to music and maybe even sitting in a few places.
Along with being Kennedy’s music teacher, you also advise the school’s Rubik’s Cube club. Are you a Rubik’s Cube savant yourself, or is it just something you’re offering to foster students’ creativity? I wouldn't call myself a Rubik's Cube savant by any stretch, but I can solve a cube in about two minutes. I had sinus surgery a few years back and was out for 10 days. I decided to pass the time watching YouTube tutorials on solving a cube. I spent a lot of time memorizing the necessary algorithms, but it was worth it. The Rubik's Cube Club is one of my favorite things I do. Last year, the kids made a 400-piece mosaic of the Golden Gate Bridge, and it was epic.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. People who know me well wouldn't find this a surprise, but I love to cook and occasionally try fine dining recipes. I've hosted a few "fancy" dinner parties for retiring teachers and friends in which I put together a themed menu. I get to try some new techniques and usually end up with an extra kitchen gadget to try, which is fun.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Bacon. You never NEED bacon … but then again, you kinda do.
If you weren’t a teacher or musician, what do you think you would be doing for a career? I'd probably end up doing something with math statistics such as an actuary, though working with insurance doesn't sound that exciting to me. But definitely something along those lines. Realty also seems interesting to me.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I am incredibly proud of the work I've done with "Punch Out Parkinson's" -- a fundraising event I organize and run. My dad has been living with Parkinson's Disease for almost 20 years. My parents live in upstate New York, so it can be hard at times to feel like I can help and make an impact. The fundraiser, which includes a golf outing and concert/party, has raised almost $40,000 over the years, with funds going to the Wisconsin Parkinson Association, The American Parkinson Disease Association of Wisconsin, and Empower Parkinson's in upstate New York. The fundraiser directly supports my dad by helping to pay for his Rock Steady Boxing membership, as well. I regret not starting this sooner. I have seen a real difference in my dad's attitude since starting the fundraiser. He feels empowered and motivated to live each day with enthusiasm and positivity despite his limitations, which progressively get more significant every year.
Who is your favorite Muppet? Gonzo is the best, by far. He is hilarious.
Who headlined the first music concert you attended? How have your musical tastes evolved since your youth? Well, when I was in elementary school, my parents bought us all tickets to go see New Kids On The Block at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, NY. I'm not sure why my mom didn't just take my sister, but I survived. The first concert headliner I went to see that I was actually excited about was Pearl Jam in 1998 in Montreal. I am a huge fan and had fan club seats, which got me in the fourth row. Talk about spoiled. I've now seen them nearly 20 total times. I really like and appreciate a lot of different music, but the grunge music of my youth still sticks with me to this day.
Share an instance where -- despite being the teacher -- you learned something from one of your students. Kids are really great at living in the moment. It is a good reminder to take each day one at a time. Also, watching a student's excitement for doing something for the first time is inspiring. If you can, you should try to recapture the wonder and excitement of learning new things.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Invest in Bitcoin in 2012, get out in 2021 and retire.
Position at SDJ:Third Grade Teacher, Jefferson Elementary School
Hometown: Watertown, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 24 years
Education:Bachelor’s degrees in Spanish, International Studies and Business Administration, UW-Stevens Point; Teacher Licensure, UW-Whitewater; Master’s degree, Education, National Louis University; National Board Certified Teacher, 2011 (recertified, 2021).
Family:Husband, Jeremy; son, Baden; dog, Swiper
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My first job was as a sales associate for a local office supply store. I learned I have an unhealthy obsession with office supplies, even before becoming a teacher.
What led to your decision to become a teacher? I first worked in business as a planner for General Motors. I went back to school to become a teacher because I didn’t feel like I was making a difference in the corporate world.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I would like to learn calligraphy. I love writing notes to people, and calligraphy would make my personal notes even more beautiful.
In addition to your role as a teacher at Jefferson Elementary, you are president of Friends of SizaBantwana, an organization that helps children in South Africa. Talk about that. Back in 2014, I wrote and was awarded a Fund for Teachers grant. I wrote the grant to compare and contrast the civil rights movement in the U.S. to the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. In this grant I linked Jefferson Elementary School to a nonprofit in South Africa called SizaBantwana. When I went to South Africa as a Fund for Teachers fellow, I volunteered at SizaBantwana. Since 2014 I have been back three times, bringing more people with me and including other educators from Jefferson Elementary. Moved by the need of more than 800 children, we started a nonprofit called Friends of SizaBantwana. I serve as president and fundraise for basic necessities for these needy children. In addition, we continue to link Jefferson and other schools with Siza, teaching about other cultures and giving students the opportunity to help students less fortunate.
Do you have any hobbies outside of your charitable work? When I am not teaching or volunteering, I like to knit, watch football (especially the Packers and the Badgers), read, walk and play with my dog, Swiper. I am a huge Tour de France fan and love watching the race each summer. I once had the opportunity to see the Tour de France in Monaco and France live!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I have traveled to more than 20 countries and had the privilege of living in a few. I can’t just pick one place, as I want to see it all. I am a better person because of the places I have been. The more I experience, the more understanding, accepting and educated I become.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. People would be surprised to hear that I once did a “survival hike.” I walked 100 miles and canoed 12 miles in six days with no food, carrying all supplies on my back. This is truly surprising because I am a hotel snob.
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. I couldn’t live without my contacts. Seriously CANNOT see without them!
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? Pre-college I loved any type of Social Studies class. I enjoy learning about history and culture. However, in college I loved math. It was at university I discovered that I could do math successfully, so I enjoyed it because I didn’t think that I was good at math.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. I always grab cucumbers. They’re refreshing!
If you weren’t a teacher, what do you think you would be doing for a career? If I weren’t a teacher, I would be a veterinarian. I love animals. First, I would have to get over my squeamish attitude toward anything medical! I would provide free neuters and spays to low-income areas as much as possible.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I am incredibly proud of my family. Both my husband and son are such kind, caring people. Baden is growing into a capable, outgoing, altruistic young man, and my husband is his carbon copy. I am grateful that they support my many causes and love me for who I am. A regret I have is not knowing I wanted to be a teacher sooner.
What is your “go-to” move to get a child to smile. If I really need a child to smile, I break out my dance moves. They are truly laughable.
If someone produced a film version of your life story, who would you want to play you, and who do you think would actually play you? This is a great question because I really don’t like movies. My colleagues tease me about the five movies I have seen in my life. Movies are a part of pop culture that I am deficient in, which also means movie stars. I guess that means no biopic about Mrs. Schrab.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? I would tell myself that everything works out. Stress less and live in the moment. It is okay if your path wanders!
Position at SDJ:English teacher/Criterion Adviser, Craig High School
Hometown:Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 33 years
Education:Bachelor's degree, Secondary Education (English and History), UW-Eau Claire; Master's degree, Curriculum and Instruction, UW-Whitewater
Family:Wife, Debbie; twin daughters Abby and Katelyn, son Ben.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? I began my first job at age 13 delivering the Milwaukee Journal—at that time an evening paper—to 90 customers in my neighborhood Mondays through Saturdays and to 125 customers on Sunday mornings. Every Saturday, I went door-to-door to collect subscription fees. I learned I was dependable and good at customer service.
What led to your decision to become a teacher? Teaching is a profession I had always considered because my dad and three of my five siblings were teachers, along with many of my aunts, uncles and cousins. As a result, I always felt drawn to it – but I started college as an accounting major. After a visit to my sister’s middle school classroom at Suring during my sophomore year of college, I felt that teaching was the career for me, and I switched majors.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I am actually learning to play piano, which is something I have always wanted to do. But if there is one thing I would love to learn to do, it is construction. My late brother was a master builder, and it was inspiring to see him work his trade.
You are the advisor for Craig’s student newspaper, The Criterion. In a world where newspapers are rapidly disappearing, what other skills are you able to teach students through this opportunity? Journalism is a profession that requires a commitment to ethics and truth, so I want my students to know that it is a high calling and a worthy profession. Plus, it requires its practitioners to be versatile. Today’s journalists are not only writers and interviewers but also photographers, graphic artists, editors and social media content creators. Journalism requires problem solving and hard skills such as graphic design, writing with clarity and conciseness, and audience awareness. What types of stories will interest readers? Answering this question requires creativity and curiosity.
You have been a teacher at Craig for more than 30 years. Share a noticeable change you’ve seen in students since you started and something that has remained constant in your eyes. Students are the same today as they were when I started. Technology has changed and distractions have increased (and I worry about the effects on mental health that social media can cause), but the things that make our students wonderful and confounding at the same time still remain. Teens want to feel capable and accepted, to know people like them, to see that the work they do in school has meaning and relevance, and to find clarity in the confusion of modern life. They also want to get away with doing as little as possible and sometimes frustrate our best efforts to motivate them, but all of us resisted learning when we were their age! Adolescence can be an unpredictable and unstable time in life, and we adults need to show patience and care.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would love to visit, well, anywhere! There are places in the U.S. that I have never experienced, like the rocky shores of Maine and the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee, but I would love to take a grand tour of Europe from Slovenia to Sweden, from Portugal to Turkey. Also, it would be amazing to take a float in the Dead Sea.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I am a part-time wedding officiant. Over the past eight years I have performed nine wedding ceremonies for family, friends and co-workers. I have another one this October.
You are a Minnesota Vikings fan. How in the world did that happen while growing up in Wisconsin? I married into a family of Packers season ticket holders and have lived in Wisconsin most of my life, so my wife wonders the same thing! I was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was a passionate fan of the Vikings during a time when they were in the midst of a run of Super Bowl appearances (they appeared in--and lost--four Super Bowls in eight years from 1970-77). My family moved to Wauwatosa in 1976 when I was in third grade, and I have remained a proud—and frustrated and often heartbroken—fan ever since.
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. I could not live without my bike. It is one of the activities my wife and I love to do together, whether on the Ice Age Trail in Janesville or on one of the many state trails across Minnesota and Wisconsin.
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? My favorite subject was math. I love the aspect of math as a puzzle to solve. In the same way, I am fascinated by grammar and sentence structure and the technical aspects of writing.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Chips and salsa. It is my favorite snack!
In 2020, you received honorable mention for a WMTV-15 Crystal Apple Award, recognizing your commitment to education. Can you describe what such recognition means to you as an educator? It means the world! It is a humbling experience to be recognized in this way, and it means that someone notices and appreciates the work I do and the way that I make them feel about themselves. There are so many professionals in the district that deserve this kind of recognition.
In addition to teaching, you also announce Craig High girls basketball games and boys’ and girls’ swim meets. How did you get into that? It all started about 25 years ago. I was asked to announce at a girls’ swim meet, and when Gary Halloway retired from announcing, I took over his role of announcing for girls’ basketball games. When Jerry Addie retired from teaching, I took over his role as the emcee for our Homecoming pep rallies. And my role has expanded to include gymnastics and wrestling. I love my involvement in announcing because I am able to see the students in new and different ways.
Share an instance where -- despite being the teacher -- you learned something from one of your students. How about every day? I am inspired by my students’ resilience and their individuality, and they teach me the importance of being true to yourself. They have also taught me to see them as people first and to respect their viewpoints. One formative experience happened early in my career. I told a class one day that I didn’t finish grading an essay assignment as I had promised to do, and one of them asked, “Mr. Holmquist, how can you expect us to do our homework when you don’t do yours?” It made me realize that I should not expect more of my students than I am willing to expect of myself.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Control your spending and save and invest more money sooner! But more importantly, read more books and travel to more places!
Position at SDJ:Innovation Specialist, Washington Elementary School
Hometown: Delavan, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ:5 years
Education:Bachelor's degree, Fine Arts, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. Double licensure in K-12 Art Education/Adaptive Art Specialist. Master's degree, Teaching and Technology, Western Governor University.
Family:Husband, Brian; daughters Regan, Hazel and Cooper.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? I was a Certified Nurse’s Assistant at 16 and provided care for clients including medically fragile, elderly, hospice patients; children on the Autism spectrum; those with cerebral palsy, and those with mobility challenges including paraplegic and quadriplegic adults. I attended night school at a local community college to obtain this licensure and planned for this job to be the first stepping stone towards becoming a nurse, but life had other plans for me.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I would love to wake up and magically be proficient in a shop full of power tools and have the brain to finish carpentry and basic construction. I have plenty of tools in my tool belt, but sometimes they are just not the right tool and I could work smarter and not harder if I had more experience and less sheer determination to make something the only way I know how.
You are a former art teacher. How does your art background benefit you in your position as an innovation specialist? After almost five years, I still have a hard time identifying as a librarian. I am not naturally inclined to do things the way they have always been done, so I find I am always motivated to try new things, approach instruction, space planning, and programming design from a different lens.
Away from your position at Washington, you own a photography/fine art/design studio. How did you get into photography, and what is your favorite thing to photograph? I have been studying art my entire life. Photography has been ever-present but it has resurfaced time and again when my other preferred methods of expression become too taxing in time and space – like painting and drawing now with three toddlers to chase. Coming back to photography offers the creative outlet I crave in a more manageable package that I carry with me all the time. I am particularly fond of portraiture in all forms of art. I am obsessed with capturing children, in particular, to preserve every little detail time steals from our memories.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Somewhere in Mexico or South America. I have always been drawn to the arts and handicrafts with bold, colors and playful patterns. My Spanish skills are rusty but deeply rooted, and I would love to dust them off.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I don’t think it is a surprise at all for anyone who knows me, but I was the only girl in my entire league who played contact football from fourth to eighth grade. My friends were all cheerleaders.
Who is your favorite Muppet? I never really watched the Muppets as a kid, just lots of PBS. Mark Kistler’s “Imagination Station” was my favorite show.
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. A camera of any kind. I feel naked without my phone, but most of the time for the camera rather than for texts or calls.
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? I loved learning Spanish in sixth through 12th grade, and all of my art classes, of course.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Avocados. Just because.
If you weren’t working in education and photography, what career path do you think you might have followed? I was on course to enlist in the Navy in an officer training program while going to nursing school and I was accepted to Marquette (University), but received a 2/3 scholarship to go to art school my senior year and chose a different path at the last possible turn or I am certain that is what I would have done.
Describe yourself in three words: Multifaceted, outspoken, workaholic.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I am incredibly proud of all of the work I have put into building a business on top of teaching full-time, though I regret all the time, energy and resources this enormous load takes from my family – especially while my girls are so little.
If you’re in your car, which song will get you to turn up the radio? Which song will get you to turn it off? I am lucky if I get to listen to the radio. My girls have become accustomed to choosing which album to listen to. Popular demands include songs from “Encanto,” “Sing 1 & 2” and “The Greatest Showman.”
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? I would maybe ask myself to sit in discomfort a little longer and more thoroughly consider all my options. I have taken a very winding and weird path to where I am professionally, but I know there is so much more out there than what we were expected to do, thought we had to do, or what the safe option is. Just dream big and don’t settle.
Position at SDJ:Head Custodian, Madison Elementary School
Hometown: Delavan, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 29 years
Education:High School graduate; attended technical school for boiler operation/basic electric
Family:Wife, Lisa; son Doug; grandchildren Emma and Roman.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My very first job was delivering papers. I was about 9, so it was pretty limited. I rode my bike to deliver the papers. The thing I learned was that if you treat the customer well, you can be rewarded.
If you weren’t working as head custodian at Madison, what do you think you would be doing for a career? I have been in the school district for so long that I really can't imagine anything else. When I was young, I always wanted to be a pilot of an F-16. Ironically, my son was in the Air Force and worked on the F-16s, so I at least got to see them up close.
What are the best and worst things about being a custodian at an elementary school? Best: feeling like a rockstar walking down the hall. I have had many people that don't work in the district tell me that I seem like a rockstar walking down the hall with the kids all saying ‘Hi,’ etc. Worst: I don't want to get too graphic here, but imagine the worst thing anyone would want to clean up and I've probably cleaned it up.
Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time? I used to do a lot of fishing, but now I enjoy going to Christian concerts. I also enjoy spending time with my wife and grandkids.
If you could have any superpower, which one would you choose? I haven't really thought of it, but thinking about it now, maybe a superpower to clean up the prior-mentioned messes that come with my job.
As a custodian, are you busier during the school year or during summer? Why? I wouldn't say that either time is really busier, just a different kind of work. Summer work can be a bit more physical, though.
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: This question is actually three-fold for me. First, being a husband, a father and then being a grandfather. Those are the coolest for me.
Name the one item you own that you could not live without. I don't really put much into material things, but if I had to answer this, it would have to be my truck.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I have lived in four states throughout my life. I was born in Wisconsin, then lived in Oklahoma, California and Illinois. Then I came back to Wisconsin, where I grew roots and stayed.
What is your “go-to” move to make a child smile? This usually depends on the situation, but my go-to is asking where the child left their smile. I ask if they left it in the classroom or in their locker or something like that.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? First, give 10% to my church, and then pay off the house to sell and get a house out in the country.
If you could learn to do one thing you can’t do now, what would it be? I don't think it would happen at this stage in my life, but it would still be cool to learn to be a pilot.
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. I would have to say cottage cheese. It is a good high-protein, low-carb snack.
What movie can you re-watch over and over again? There are many to choose from, but I would have to say “The Breakfast Club.” My wife, son and I can almost recite the lines verbatim because we have seen it so many times. I particularly like the part with the custodian.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Don't make the small stuff into big stuff, keep the ones you love close to you, and make it a point to let them know you love them – because you never know when you might lose them.
Position at SDJ:Technical Education Teacher, Franklin Middle School
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 14 years
Education:Bachelor’s Degree, Communications Media, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Bachelor’s Degree, Community Ministry, Geneva College; Master’s Degree, Education, George Williams College of Aurora.
Family:Wife, Kate (teacher at Kennedy Elementary School); son, Aaron (Craig High School student); daughter, Sarah (Marshall Middle School student).
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? The Pittsburgh Children's Museum, though I had no idea at the time this is what created kindling and the spark for children and education. I fell in love with learning – learning while still having fun.
What led to your decision to become a teacher? Being a youth pastor for more than a decade, the skills and passion naturally transferred to education and teaching. My wife saw me conducting youth groups, preaching and teaching classes. She said I’d be an outstanding teacher. I took her up on it.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I would like to learn how to build a house from the ground up and all of the aspects that go with it. Everything from understanding building code to hanging the drywall, and everything in between. With these skills and abilities, I could change the lives of many people – including my own.
Do you have any hobbies? Ironically, many of my hobbies revolve around some form of teaching. I enjoy coaching youth sports and teaching faith-based lessons to youth as well as adults. Motivational speaking, whether it be in person or digitally, is becoming a strong hobby. I’ve also found a level of peace and joy in gardening, though I’m new at it.
You have two hours of free time. What are you most likely to do? Being a self-proclaimed, self-diagnosed introvert and basically an only child, I feel very comfortable being alone – and many times will prefer it. With two hours of free time, I might take a long drive while listening to an audiobook or a podcast, or I might catch a movie by myself.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I used to be one of those crazy, early-morning disc jockeys – waking people up to start their day. I also used to have my own marketing business.
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. I have an external hard drive. On that hard drive are the pictures and videos of my family over the years, celebrations, and vacations that we took – an anthem of sorts of our family. That hard drive is the most valuable thing I own.
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? Science was fascinating for me. How the world and universe work was intriguing. The more I learned about science, the more my faith grew. I also enjoyed Social Studies because I loved learning about other cultures and history.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Popcorn kernels. It’s the ultimate comfort food for me, and it triggers many memories. It has to be the kernels, because part of the awe of popcorn is the process of popping it.
If you weren’t a teacher, what do you think you would be doing for a career? It could be anything from banking to TV/radio production/broadcasting, but most likely I would be in a field that mirrors education that would be full-time ministry.
What types of projects do you see in the future of technical education? What an interesting time to be in education and being a TechEd teacher! Projects evolving AI (artificial intelligence) and robotics will race to the front of this list, but along with that comes an increased focus on digital ethics.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I am personally incredibly proud to have been asked to be Best Man at three separate weddings. None of these men were relatives. One man was white, another man was Black and the last man was Chinese. All of these men are still married today, and I am so proud of the diversity in my close and peripheral relationships. Professionally, I am proud that as program director, I took a small college TV station that was broadcasting about five hours a day to a 24-hour, on-air broadcasting station that remains today. I regret that when I first got married and was new to Janesville, my wife and I purchased a home that was not the right fit for us. This wasted time and money, and we missed out on better housing.
You were involved in the Go Baby Go project in which students built small cars for disabled children to provide independent movement. What was the most important thing students learned by being involved with this project? In class, I teach the Engineering Design Process. Students will understand the concepts of the process and can even master the steps, but to have a real live engineer working beside them with a hard deadline to meet, and a real family at the end eagerly awaiting the finished project, that experience outweighs anything I can teach them from a book in the classroom.
Share an instance where -- despite being the teacher -- you learned something from one of your students. I’ve learned that classroom stuff (all of it) does not define who students are. I have attended many of my students’ events outside of school, and time and time again, I’ve been astonished at the skill, leadership, proficiency, desire and work ethic I’ve seen in the events and activities outside of the four walls of school. Whether it be a show, musical, sporting event, competition or club, I’ve come to learn to appreciate the skills and talents of my students – even if my environment is not where they are displayed.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Funny answer: Don’t sell off your investments, let the time work your money. The real answer: Chill out, and stop taking everything so seriously. You don’t have to be the very best at everything. It’s OK for others to win and be recognized, too – SOMETIMES (HA HA HA).
Position at SDJ: Band Director, Parker High School
Hometown: Beloit, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 23 years
Education: Bachelor's Degree, Music-Performance/Instrumental Music Education K-12, UW-Madison; Master's Degree, Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis (Principal K-12), UW-Madison
Family: Wife, Jerri (paraprofessional at Edison Middle School); daughter Kaitlyn (Parker High graduate and Social Studies/AVID teacher in Sheridan, Colorado
How did music become such an important part of your life? It is possible that I was wired for music from the beginning. My parents told me I was dancing to TV show music as a toddler. I can still remember most of the show themes from my youth. Music, band in particular, has just always been a focus for me.
If you were not Parker’s band director, what career direction do you think you might have explored? I wanted to be a pilot. I really wanted to be an astronaut until I got glasses when I was 14. In those days, you had to pretty much be perfect to be an astronaut so, oh well…
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? Selling men's clothing at JC Penny in the Beloit Mall. I learned it was OK for a job but not for a career.
You have been announcer for the University of Wisconsin Marching Band for the past 30 years. How did you land in that position? Long story short: The man who was the announcer for 20 years passed away in December of 1994, just a few weeks before the Hall Of Fame Bowl game in Tampa. I was with the UW Band in ‘92 and ’93 as a field assistant but was teaching too far away to be on the staff. I called Mike Leckrone (then the UW Band director) and offered my services, and he said, "OK." My first gig was a bowl game.
As a student at UW-Madison, you spent four years as drum major for the band. What was it like being such a focal point and performing in front of thousands of fans? Being drum major of the UW Band lit me up like nothing else. Leading the band out in front of 80-, 90- or 100-thousand people, knowing that each one of them was going to look at me, was a huge boost to the ego. But more than that, I was proud to be the leader of such a great group of people and to wear “Wisconsin” on my sleeve.
Share a musical instrument you can’t currently play but would like to learn. Why did you choose that one? Guitar. I would like to be able to sit around and imitate music I have heard on the radio and in recordings just for my own fun.
Have you had any students come through the Parker band who have gone on to have careers in music as either performers or teachers? Several students have come through Parker and are performing with their own rock bands – mostly percussionists. One of my former students teaches high school band near Janesville, and there are at least five former Parker Band students in college studying to be music educators as I write this. It is gratifying to think I have been a good enough teacher to help foster their desire to teach.
Name the one item you own that you could not live without. My wristwatch. I am always aware of time be it in class, at home or on the road.
In your opinion, why is music class such an important educational component? Music, like all art, is just one of the things that makes us human. We can express our feelings through music. Music is that which you can feel but cannot touch. It gives students a break from the rigorous work of core learning each day. It gives them a chance to use the other parts of the brain. It gives all students the chance to create with their friends.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I hate lima beans. Chalky, gritty,
tasteless green blobs. I know they are nutritious, but I cannot stand them.
When it comes to designing performances for the Parker High School Band, are there any numbers you avoid because they seem overdone, and are there any you never get tired of seeing/hearing? I don’t copy much from the UW as I don’t want to seem unimaginative. For marching, I will pick a theme (girl bands, video game music, various rock groups) and chart a show accordingly. For concerts, we try to program educational, challenging and hopefully entertaining music that is appropriate for each of our three bands. Sometimes there is a theme inspired by an important event, sometimes just music that seems right and sometimes just for fun. For pep band, we have music from 1940 to 2023 – just energetic and loud.
If you could have tickets to any concert featuring any artist (alive or dead), who would you want to see and why? I would like to see Richard Wagner’s opera “Lohengrin” in the Festspielhaus in Bayreuth, Germany. Some of my most favorite music of all in the place that he built for it.
Who were your musical influences as a youth? My teachers growing up were Richard Baller, Richard Grunow, Donald Cuthbert, tuba teacher Clyde Bachand and the Beloit-Janesville Symphony. I loved listening to classical music as well as rock and roll, R&B and soul.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Dark chocolate M&Ms. Just need the chilled comfort out of the fridge now and then.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? College is not an end unto itself. You better practice A LOT! Don’t be too selfish. And remember, If it was easy, everybody’d be doing it. Those are just truths.
Position at SDJ: School Nurse, Jackson/Lincoln/Van Buren Elementary Schools and Edison Middle School
Hometown: Milton, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ:6 years
Education: Associates Degree, Nursing (ADN), Blackhawk Technical College; Bachelor's Degree, Nursing (BSN), Viterbo University. Held Hospice and Palliative Nursing (CHPN) certification for 16 years
Family: Husband, Mike; sisters, Krista and Kara; nephews JJ and Alex; dog, Gracie.
What inspired you to become a nurse? My family and Mike (back when we were dating) encouraged me to pursue nursing. My mom was an X-ray technician, and I loved hearing her stories. She and my Dad saw that I loved taking care of others and enjoyed it. Mike worked in healthcare, saw nursing firsthand and thought it would be a good fit for me. He took me to Blackhawk Tech to meet with the admissions counselor and we never looked back! Mike and my family have always been my biggest career supporters and cheerleaders – especially through the emotional moments, working crazy hours and lots of missed family time.
If you had not become a nurse, what career direction do you think you might have explored? Journalism. I had a couple teachers encourage me to explore the path of journalism. I enjoy writing and I was interested in mass media. However, careers at the time seemed to be in big cities, and that did not appeal to me. As it turns out, I have used my writing skills a great deal in the field of nursing, so that’s been a bonus.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? I did a lot of babysitting in middle and high school. However, my first real job was at a veterinary clinic while I was in high school. I did cleaning, receptionist duties and even assisted the vets with exams and procedures. I definitely realized then that I was not squeamish with anything medical, and that I love animals. It was such an amazing learning opportunity for me. Fun fact: Even after working at a veterinary clinic, I am still terrible at identifying dog breeds.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? I would love to learn how to play a stringed instrument like cello or bass. I love their low, soothing tones. I do play piano and clarinet but have always wanted to play something from the string family.
I’m guessing you are well stocked up in ice packs and Band-Aids. What is the most common injury/ailment you see in your job? I would have to say headaches, stomach aches and head bumps are my top three. Ice packs are definitely a must as they seem to have the same healing quality no matter what age you are working with.
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: This past June, one of my sisters and I went to the Louis Tomlinson concert in Milwaukee. We felt pretty cool being part of the fandom at a rock concert. We even stood in line for 90 minutes to buy concert merch because that’s what you do at a concert! It was so loud and so fun with lots of friendly people.
Name the one item you own that you could not live without. Practically speaking, my glasses/contacts. My vision is quite impaired, so I really can’t function without them.
Which historical figure would you most like to meet? Why? Florence Nightingale. She is the founder of modern nursing and lived from 1820-1910. I would love to sit down with her and compare notes about how nursing care and the entire field of nursing has changed. It’s mind-boggling to me because I know the changes I have seen during my career. I am also curious about what has stayed the same.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I took two semesters off of college and worked with my dad full-time as a floor covering installer for our family’s business. Well, he was the installer and I was more of an apprentice. It’s a skilled craft in a different setting. It’s heavy, hard, physical work, but very fulfilling when you see the finished product.
Do you have any hobbies? Yes – probably too many. I love to be active, busy and outside, but I also enjoy artsy/crafty, creative kinds of activities. I love to golf, bike, fish and work in our yard. We plant lots of flowers and a vegetable garden. Those are my fun summer projects every year. I am so fortunate to have a nursing position now where I can have that time in the summer. I truly enjoy watching everything grow and change with the seasons. Mike, Gracie and I also walk every day, no matter what the weather is. Gracie does stay home if the weather is not safe for her. I am also a huge fan of winter and snow and enjoy being out in it.
You enjoy going to auctions. What would you say is the best deal you’ve ever gotten at auction? There is one type of antique decorative glass we collect. Our best deal is when we search through mixed-up boxes of stuff and find one little piece of our glassware hiding. It’s like a treasure hunt. It’s so exciting when we find something.
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Those little fresh veggie trays with the dip. Never too many vegetables in my book.
You’re in your car, listening to the radio. What song will get you to sing out loud, and which song will get you to change the station? I listen to music all the time and have a very eclectic taste. What I listen to is determined by what I am doing. The honest truth is I will sing out loud to anything by One Direction (as a group or individual artists) or ABBA.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you most like to go? I would travel to London. I have always been interested in the Royal Family and their history, British culture and fashion. I would love to witness the blend of historic and modern culture.
Knowing what you know now, what piece of advice do you wish you could have given to your 18-year-old self? I started working in healthcare when I was 19. With that came frequent exposure to end-of-life and death. Because of that, I would most definitely tell my 18 year-old self to take time to have more fun, go on more adventures, enjoy all the family time you can and not overthink everything.
Name: Wendy Nelson (Update: Wendy Nelson left the district during the 2024-25 school year).
Position at SDJ: Administrative Assistant to the Principal, Lincoln Elementary School
Hometown: Edgerton, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 17 years
Education: Associate's Degree, Arts, Minnesota Bible College
Family: Daughters Allison and Nicole
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? I grew up on a family farm in Edgerton – first raising tobacco at a young age and then starting a U-pick strawberry farm (Hazeltine’s) when I was 7 years old. This invaluable childhood “job” experience taught me discipline and a strong work ethic, the ability to take pride in my work, the balance of combining quality family time with work, and enjoyment of the outdoors.
You work at the nerve center of Lincoln Elementary School – the front desk. What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your position? There are so many simultaneous demands in this position for customer service, prioritization of tasks, and organization, yet I feel like communication is at the heart of everything. I feel most successful when things run smoothly for staff/parents as I feel confident we have communicated the plan well. Conversely, when staff/parents are frustrated, I take that as a hint that we missed the mark and need to adjust our communication in that area.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? Invest in the stock market. Or graphic design. Or learn to play music. Or maybe fly an airplane. Or basic home electricity. So much to learn.
Do you speak any languages besides English. If not, which language do you wish you were able to speak? I speak some Spanish, which I am able to use daily in the school office. I am fascinated by languages and wish I could speak many. I learned some Greek and American Sign Language in college. Lately I’ve been learning some Arabic phrases to communicate with the families of the Arabic-speaking students in our school. I love being able to greet them in their own language when they enter the school.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? First, I'm headed to Hawaii, as then I will have visited all 50 states. Then I’m on to my next bucket list item to finish traveling to all the continents. My adult daughters and sometimes my dad are my typical travel buddies.
You have two hours of free time. What are you most likely to do? In addition to SDJ, I also work at Mercyhealth in the Telecom department, so with any free time, I’m probably catching up on housework, yardwork or farmwork. Whatever I do, I’ll undoubtedly be multitasking with an audiobook playing in my ear.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. Usually people comment about being surprised I’m an introvert, as I have intentionally mastered many strategies to disguise this over the years. Something perhaps more interesting is that I have a hobby, a little side hustle, of regularly purchasing unpaid storage units to resell the items.
Who is your favorite Muppet? Loveable, Furry Old Grover is my favorite, but honestly I’m not that into TV (unless it’s “Survivor” or “The Voice”). I’m all about audiobooks. I can multi-task with audiobooks, so I have one playing at double speed in my ear whenever possible, typically listening to about 400-500 books a year.
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. I’m one of those frugal people that probably would’ve thrived during the Great Depression, so I think I could live without any one thing. However, one item I am very appreciative of – proud of and feel privileged to own – is my home, which has been in my family for 125 years. My kids grew up as the fifth generation of our family in this house.
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? I was good at math and was on the high school traveling math team. However, my passion is really language (both English and Spanish), writing and wordsmithing. I’m a grammar nerd. I especially enjoy editing the writing of others and often wonder what it would be like to be a book editor.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Well, if I could afford Diet Coke, lately that would be it as it’s my fave. However, Little Debbie Nutty Bars are something that never runs empty at my house. Also, milk, cheese and cottage cheese are automatically part of every grocery trip.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I am proud that I was valedictorian of my high school graduating class, but I sadly regret not finishing college to complete a bachelor’s degree. I was working toward an elementary education degree with a bilingual/bicultural ESL endorsement.
When you’re listening to the radio in your car, what song will get you to sing along and what song will get you to change the station? Although I acknowledge the talent of rap… yeah, no, not for me. I love everything from the supergroups of the classic rock era of the late ’70s /early ’80s … Journey, Genesis, Foreigner, Pink Floyd, Heart, The Police, U2, etc.
Describe yourself in three words: Hard-working, patient, loyal.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Don't be afraid to go do all the things you think about! In the words of Winnie the Pooh, "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think and loved more than you know."
Position at SDJ: English Teacher/Yearbook Advisor, Rock University High School
Hometown: Racine, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 11 years
Education: Bachelor's Degree, Education, and Teaching Certificate for English 4-12, The Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA; Master's Degree, English Education, The Waldorf Institute, Chestnut Ridge, NY
Family: Cat, Onion
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? I had three paper routes back in the early ‘80s, when almost everyone got the paper delivered. I delivered the Racine Journal Times, The Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel and the Chicago Tribune. I learned to fold the papers with a “tuck” method. No rubber band (or bag) was necessary.
What led to your decision to become a teacher? I joined the Army after high school; field artillery, like my dad before me. I was mostly stationed in California, and we were “in the field” for training at least a third of the time. During one mission, a captain from the reserves embedded with our unit. He was a great guy, and an elementary-school teacher when he wasn’t blowing things up with us. He had lots of funny stories about things his fourth-graders did, and I thought, “You know, maybe I could do that too.”
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? A few years ago, I published a novel about a boy who invents a flying car and opens a portal to another world. (“AutoBones” is available on Amazon). I made up the science, but I wonder if it’s actually possible to harness the life-forces of growing plants?
Outside of teaching, you have a successful business creating art from upcycled and found items. When did you discover your love for art and what led to you starting Stellations Studio? When I was in graduate school in New York, one of the required classes was “projective geometry.” I just wasn’t getting it, and the professor said that maybe it would help if I made models of some of the structures out of cardboard. I did, and then I decided to use copper and stained glass, as well. I made a little copper bird and someone actually bought it! I started making more, just for fun, but selling them brought in some needed cash. A stellation, by the way, is an obscure geometrical term meaning “star point.” You can view a lot of my work at Stellations.com.
What is the most unique material you have used to create one of your art pieces? I use lots of repurposed musical instruments in my work. I love how they have a history, and how they’ve been touched and loved and imbued with energy. I do take them apart and repurpose them into dogs, fish -- I even did a 5-foot humpback whale commission not long ago. I probably have 30 brass instruments in the basement, and I really have to get to the tubas. There’s even a Sousaphone waiting for something special.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I’ve been brushing up on my Japanese with Duolingo. I taught English in Japan for a few years in my 20s and do intend to go back – hopefully as a writer, artist, or teacher.
When reading, what genre do you tend to enjoy most? What are you reading now, or what is the title of the last book you read? Like most English teachers, I usually have a bunch of books going at once. I recently finished “Underland” by Robert MacFarlane. The author loves going into caves and catacombs and philosophizing about the lives of the people who have been there before -- sometimes more than 10,000 years ago. Also on my reading table, bookmarked, are “Leaves of Grass” by Walt Whitman, “In the Time of the Butterflies” by Julia Alvarez (this one’s for school), and “Answering the Call of the Elementals” by Thomas Mayer.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I had eight teeth pulled as a child, but new ones just kept coming in. Later, in the military, they pulled all four of my wisdom teeth in the same afternoon.
Name one item you own that you simply could not live without. I use a certain needle-nose pliers for snipping and bending copper in my studio work. This one is actually the third incarnation of my first pair that I bought in New York in the ’90s. I bought it at ACE, you see, and they have a policy that if one of their tools wears out, bring it in and they will give you a new one. I’m on my third one now. Yay, ACE!
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? As a kid, my favorite classes were always art and language arts. Go figure. I loved it when the classroom would get quiet and I could just read and read.
If you weren’t a teacher and artist, what do you think you would be doing for a career? I would be writing full-time: plays, short stories, poetry, novels. I actually have a trove of completed stuff, but I’m just not good at “putting it out there.” A rejection letter just crushes me. Either that or I’d be a garbage collector. I think it must be so satisfying to drive the big truck, use the claw to swoop the garbage cans up, and hear the trash come crashing down into the bin. That’s total service work, and my inner 5-year-old would be thoroughly impressed. Well, that or some version of a Jungian analyst (using an in-depth, analytical form of talk therapy designed to bring together the conscious and unconscious parts of the mind to help a person feel balanced and whole).
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I don’t know if I’m proud of a lot of things, but I am certainly thankful. I have a daily gratitude practice, and I try to think of 20 to 30 things I’m grateful for each day. I’m thankful for my house! I’m a teacher, and I have a house that is all my own. Yea!
If someone produced a film version of your life story, who would you want to play you, and who do you think would actually play you? Who was that guy who played the latest version of Willy Wonka – Timothee Chalamet? He looks a bit like me, back when I had hair. And who would play me now? How about Stephen Colbert?
Share an instance where -- despite being the teacher -- you learned something from one of your students. My yoga ball (one of those large balls you stretch over to do back-bends) was going slightly flat one morning. I remembered a fix I learned from a second-grader years ago. You don’t need a pump, you can just pop out the plastic cap and blow the yoga ball up with your mouth. It works.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? You’ve got talents you haven’t even tapped yet, kiddo. Keep unfolding and growing in your awesomeness! (I would have laughed at that.)
Position at SDJ: Art teacher, Adams Elementary School
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but grew up in Neenah
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 28 years
Education: Bachelor's Degree, Art Education, UW-Madison; Master's Degree, Curriculum and Instruction, National Louis University
Family: Husband, Eric; dog, Rico
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My first “real” job, not just babysitting, was working at Ice Cream Land in Neenah when I was 15. That job was fun but short-lived because the job I really wanted opened up a few doors down. The Hang Up was the local art gallery and framing shop, and I started there by helping the accountant file and by doing some cleaning. It wasn’t long before I was able to help customers choose matting and framing for their art. I learned a lot about what it takes to run an art business, how to work with artists and how to frame art.
When did you first discover your love for art, and when did you decide to make a career out of it? I grew up with parents who both appreciated and made art, so we spent a lot of time going to galleries, art fairs, concerts and plays. I loved to make art and learned to appreciate different styles at a young age. I loved art class and also took some private art lessons. In fifth grade, I interviewed a graphic designer for a career project. It was in sixth grade that I was introduced to the work of Georgia O'Keeffe by a parent volunteer who came to talk to our class. I could not believe she was from Wisconsin and was a famous artist. The volunteer brought a big coffee table book filled with images of O’Keeffe’s art. I asked if I could borrow the book because I just wanted to spend more time looking at the paintings. It was a pivotal moment for me. I remember balancing the book on the handlebars of my bike to return it a few days later! In high school, teachers and guidance counselors tried to steer me in the direction of business, but I was insistent on making room for Art classes. I knew I wanted to have a career that included art. After a lot of art history and studio classes at UW-Madison, I decided to apply to the School of Education to pursue a degree in Art Education.
If you hadn’t become an art teacher, what career path do you think you would have followed? Anything that includes both creative problem-solving and art. I have thought about interior design, cosmetology, floral design and working for Jim Henson Studios.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I have always wanted to be able to just sit down and play guitar. I play piano, but there is something about strumming an acoustic guitar that is so calming to me.
Last spring, you were the national grand-prize winner of Popsicle’s “Stick With Art” Contest, earning $20,000. How has that money impacted the art program at Adams? Winning the grand prize is still so unbelievable to me! It has given me the freedom to do all the things I have always wanted to do including bringing in visiting artists, getting whatever supplies I want/need and updating the furniture in my classroom. All of this helps enrich the opportunities I can provide for my students.
Of all the art supplies in your room, what single item do you never seem to have enough of? Sharpies. No explanation needed. They are the best.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I am good at hula-hooping.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? So many places! Greece, Thailand, Japan, Australia ... there is so much to learn about people, food, history and culture when traveling to different places. All of these places are so beautiful and different from Wisconsin.
Do you have any hobbies that don’t involve art? What are they, and why do you like them? Many of them do involve art, but I also enjoy reading and doing any type of puzzle. I never considered myself athletic, but I have gotten into fitness and exercise as an adult. I work out regularly and enjoy walking my dog and hiking.
What do students learn by studying art that they don’t get from other classes? We live in a visual world: graphic design, clothing design, signs, books, video games, interior design … all of these things require a knowledge of color, shape, form, line, spatial reasoning, creative problem-solving, etc. These are just some of the skills we learn about and use in Art class! Art is integrated into all aspects of life. Making art and being creative is part of being human. It is a form of self-expression and creativity. Looking at art can be a reflection of the world and people around us, and it’s a way to connect people.
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: I think there could be an answer to this for each decade of my life because what I consider to be “cool” has changed throughout the years. One recent thing happened when we were in Rome in the summer of 2022. My husband and I happened to be in a cathedral shortly before the summer solstice. People were gathering around a section of the floor that had marble and brass inlays of astrology and astronomy. At precisely noon, we were able to see the sunbeam shine in through the hole in the ceiling and illuminate the exact spot on the floor that showed the calendar. The planning and ingenuity that went into building and planning hundreds of years ago without technology was amazing. On that same day, we were walking down the street in Rome and my husband literally ran into a co-worker from Wisconsin. Just sort of a crazy coincidence.
Are other members of your family artistic, or did you get all the talent? Yes, the artistic genes are strong on both sides of my family. It was more of a hobby for my paternal grandma and maternal grandpa. My parents both make art as a hobby and as a side hustle (dad: paintings, mom: batik). My brother is a figurative painter and teaches on the side, and my sister has an embroidery hobby business, as well.
If you could hang one piece of art – any piece of art – in your home for one year, which piece would you choose and why? It’s pretty impossible to choose one, but after seeing Bisa Butler’s exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago a few years ago, I think I would choose anything of hers. Her work looks like paint, but it’s actually all sewn fabric. The colors are so rich and, in person, the texture of the fabric gives the work extraordinary depth. She has the ability to select the most perfect fabric for each part of her work. If one of her pieces were in my home, I would just sit and stare at it all day.
Share an instance where – despite being the teacher – you learned something from one of your students. I learn from my students all the time! They are always coming up with new ideas and ways of creating. Some third-graders also taught me how to floss a few years back – the dance, not my teeth.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Trust the inner voice inside of yourself and stay true to yourself. Never underestimate the power of being kind to people.
Position at SDJ: Early Childhood/Speech and Language Program Support Teacher, Wilson Elementary School
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 18 years
Education: Bachelor's Degree, Communication Sciences and Disorders, UW-Whitewater; Master's Degree, Communications Sciences and Disorders, UW-Whitewater; Master's Degree, Educational Leadership, Cardinal Stritch University
Family: Husband, Joel; sons Brady and Aiden
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? I was a server at a supper club in my hometown. Some of the biggest lessons learned from that job were the value of money and the importance of relationships. When I was in high school, my parents provided my brother and I with the “essentials,” and we were responsible for buying any of the “extras.” Since most of my pay came from tips, I quickly learned that developing relationships with regular patrons was vital for making good tips and saving for the “extras.”
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? One thing I’ve always wanted to learn to do but never had the opportunity is play the drums.I’ve always enjoyed listening to music but never learned to play an instrument.
What career path would you likely have taken had you not gone into education? I started college as an accounting major but decided I wanted to work in a medical setting with children, which led me to communicative disorders (speech therapy). When I met with my advisor, he was convinced I would work in a school setting, not a hospital, which was confirmed after I visited the Children’s Hospital of Milwaukee (I knew I wouldn’t be able to see sick kids every day. One day was hard enough). Since being in the school setting, I’ve always been interested in Special Education law and law in general. If I had known then what I know now, I might have studied law instead.
You are a big reader. What genre of book do you most enjoy, and what is currently on your nightstand? I wasn’t always a big reader, but a colleague always said I would enjoy reading once I found the right books. She recommended Janet Evanovich as an author, and I was hooked! When reading for enjoyment, I don’t have a preferred genre. I enjoy reading romance, suspense, thrillers and mysteries. If you were to look at my nightstand right now, you would find “Layla” by Colleen Hoover.
Do you consider yourself a picky eater? In short, YES! I will eat most meat (chicken, pork, beef) but will not touch fish or seafood (the smell doesn’t help). I’m not much of a fruit person except for apples, as long as they aren’t cooked! (texture plays a part in my dislike of fruit). Regarding veggies, I will eat frozen corn and peas or raw carrots, kohlrabi, radishes, cucumbers and lettuce. Broccoli, cauliflower, peppers and green beans are a big no for me. I don’t drink milk or eat yogurt, but I like cheese and cottage cheese.
You are a longtime volunteer for the district’s Delivering Bags of Hope initiative. How did you get involved, how many years have you taken part and why do you remain involved? To be honest, I can’t remember exactly how long I’ve been involved, but I’m pretty sure I started volunteering the year the district took it over from General Motors. Cindi Seichter and I volunteered together the first year and then made it a yearly tradition. I stay involved with Delivering Bags of Hope because I enjoy helping and giving back to others. The event's highlight for me is seeing the excitement on people's faces when we deliver the food to their families.
What was your first car, and what do you remember most about it? My first car was a two-door Chevrolet Cavalier that I purchased during my junior year of college (I needed a car to apply for work at St. Coletta of Wisconsin in Jefferson). The one thing I remember most was that I saved the money to purchase the car and make the payments.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. Although I don’t own a gun, I enjoy shooting – as long as I’m shooting at targets, not living things!
The best part of my job is: Working with the Rock County Birth to Three Program to transition children into the school district. I enjoy meeting the children and their families and supporting them as they make the transition to the school district. I also enjoy working with the special education staff within the district.
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? When I was in high school, I enjoyed anatomy and other classes that were related to the medical field. Dissection was one of my favorite activities, and I’ve always wanted to visit a cadaver lab but never had the chance. I never pursued a career in the medical field because I couldn’t do things that caused others pain.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Cookies! I have a sweet tooth, and cookies are my go-to! Some of my favorites include Double Stuff Oreos or Nutter Butters.
Do you have any superstitions? I don’t know if I would say it is a superstition, but I always have Blow Pops in my pocket when watching baseball games. I also have a specific spot (near home plate) where I sit for all games.
If you’re listening to the radio, what is one song you sing along to and one song that makes you turn the radio off? Many songs will have me singing in the car, but one of my favorites is “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and The Waves. I don’t turn the station because of a song, but I will stop singing!
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I am extremely proud of my two boys and the incredible young men that they are growing up to be. Although they both have very different personalities, they are both kind, compassionate and caring. They set goals for themselves and work hard to achieve those goals. One thing I regret is spending so much time in middle and high school worrying about what others thought of me. I spent a lot of time doing what I thought others wanted me to do instead of being myself.
You’re a huge baseball fan. What initially led to your interest in the sport? I’ve been watching baseball since I can remember. My dad always watched baseball when we were kids. As I got older, I started watching it with him and enjoyed it. My love of baseball increased when my kids started playing. My oldest son played baseball until he was 12, and then his focus changed to football and wrestling. My youngest played T-ball at age 4 and still plays baseball in college. He and I spent summers traveling around the Midwest to various baseball tournaments, which fueled my love of baseball.
Position at SDJ: Dance Teacher, Parker Arts Academy, Parker High School
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 2 years
Education: Bachelor's Degree, Arts in Dance, Point Park University; Master's Degree, Fine Arts in Dance, UW-Milwaukee
As a native of Washington, D.C., what are some of the memories you have from your youth growing up in the nation’s capital? One memory I have is getting to go to the Easter Egg Hunt at the White House when I was 5 years old. This was one of the most memorable times I had as a child.
What was the first job you ever had? Actually, my first job was at my dance studio when I was 16. I would help my dance teachers teach the 2- and 3-year-olds.
If you could learn to do any one thing, what would it be? I really would like to learn how to play the piano.
Who would you say have been your mentors throughout your dance education and career? What have they provided as far as expertise and advice? My high school dance teacher, Katherine Smith, is who actually taught me how to teach dance. I spent my college summer break at her studio as a student teacher.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would love to go to Iceland to see the Northern Lights.
At what point in your life did you discover your love for dance? At what point did you decide it was something you wanted to do for a career? My love for dance started when I was 10 years old when my church started a liturgical dance ministry. I decided at age 13 that I wanted to pursue dance as a career.
Dance is an intense, physical activity. Have you ever had any serious injuries as the result of dance, or have you noticed any lingering ailments after more than 20 years of dancing? Honestly, I have had pain in my knees for a few years. Whenever they bother me, I usually elevate and ice them.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I used to ride horses as a child.
If you were to name someone as your personal role model, who would it be and why? As a teenager, I really loved Misty Copeland. For a long time, she was the only Black woman in the American Ballet Theatre. I had a huge poster of her on my wall in high school. That poster is actually hanging up in my classroom now.
Name the one item you own that you could not live without. The TV in my living room! I have a very busy life, so when I am home, I need television LOL.
When you were a young student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? I loved History in school. Learning about the past in any form is extremely fascinating for me.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. A box of noodles. Noodles are just something I feel you can never have too much of.
You have two hours of free time. What do you do to relax? Binge watch TV and sleep!
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I am proud of the life that I am making for myself because I am creating happiness on my own terms. Honestly, I don’t have any regrets. There are some things I wish I had done differently, but no regrets.
You were a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Dance Team in 2015, the year the Cavaliers won the National Basketball Association title. Did you get a ring? Yes, I did get a ring!!! The experience was honestly so surreal. There were so many people everywhere, and everyone was so happy!
You are a cast member in the 2022 independent film “Lovely Jackson.” Have you done any acting before, or was this a different opportunity for you? I grew up doing dance and theater as a child. Once I started training heavily in dance, I didn’t have much time for acting anymore. However, some of those skills from childhood were very handy in this project.
Can you share your future goals as they pertain to dance/teaching? What do you hope to accomplish that you haven’t as of yet? I am really happy teaching dance and performing. I want to continue to grow as an educator so I can continue to help cultivate a healthy learning environment for my students.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Everything is going to work out! Be happy for your peers and wait your turn.
Position at SDJ: Student Services Coordinator, School District of Janesville
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 13 years
Education: Bachelor's degree, Business Education, Kent State University; Master's degree, Administration, Cardinal Stritch University
Family:Six brothers; one sister; daughters Ariana and Bria; grandson, Kylen
Briefly describe what it is you do for the School District of Janesville. I am the coordinator of Student Services, so basically, I work with all things student services-related. I work closely with school counselors and with the social workers, and I also oversee the youth advocates in the district along with teachers and educational programming run at the Rock County Jail and Youth Services Center.
If you were not in your current field, what career direction do you think you might have explored? I originally started out wanting to work in the field of business, but I wasn't sure in what area. So I think I would have worked in business, but I'm not sure what capacity.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? The first job I ever had was when I was 14 years old. I worked on a farm that grew alfalfa and bean sprouts, so I learned the process of picking those and preparing them to be sold at stores. They didn’t have machines, so human hands did it. I learned how things grow, and I was able to apply that to life .. from planting a seed to growing the plant and preparing it to be packaged for human consumption.
You were a successful track athlete in high school and college. How did you get into running, and what were some of your highlights in the sport? I got into running because I hung out with my brothers when I was growing up. Whatever my brothers played, I played. And I would be the only female, along with my friend, in the whole group. My senior year (in high school) I moved up to the 800 meters. I had previously run the 100, 200 and 400 meters, but I was having issues with my hamstrings. My brother, who ran the 800 meter in college, trained me, and I placed second at state by two-tenths of a second as a senior.
Your first job was as a business teacher at an all-boys school in Ohio, where you also coached JV boys basketball. What was that experience like? It was amazing. Because I grew up with brothers, I think I was able to relate to the boys. To this day, I believe it laid the foundation for me being in the field of education. It taught me a lot of the things that I needed to know in order to be successful. I had a great mentor, and when I was living there among the boys, I learned more about the students as a whole instead of just the academic side of them. I learned how to make my classroom a family as opposed to just being in an academic classroom. I think it was one of the greatest experiences I've ever had.
You were a foreign exchange student in high school. Where did you go, and what did you learn from the experience? I was an exchange student the summer between my junior and senior year in Curitiba. I learned a lot about culture and how they think and eat and believe. It was great. I had wanted to go to a Spanish-speaking country but, of course, they sent me to Brazil – the only country in South America that doesn't speak Spanish. They speak Portuguese.
What is your very favorite food, and where is your favorite place to get it? My favorite types of food are Soul Food, Italian and Mexican. With Soul Food, getting it from my mom's kitchen when she was still alive was the best place to get it. Outside of that, it’s usually at family gatherings. With Italian food, there’s a restaurant I go to in my hometown, and I still haven't found a restaurant to top that. And with Mexican food, it’s usually when I’m invited to someone's house and I have authentic Mexican.
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: Being a mom to my daughters. I don't publicize it, but both of my daughters are adopted. I wasn't able to have kids, and I understand why; because if I had kids of my own, I don't think I would have ever adopted my two daughters – and I can't imagine my life without them.
Name the one item you own that you could not live without. My Ninja 6-in-1. It’s a blender, an air fryer, a roaster, a grill … you can dehydrate food and bake with it. I can't live without it. If it dies, I will fork out the money for a new one.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. On Sunday, Oct. 22, I will be 15 years breast cancer-free. So wear your pink that day.
What are you most afraid of? Bugs. Spiders, bees. I am not kidding. You will hear me all the way down the hall if I see one.
What was the best piece of advice you have ever received, who did it come from, and what were the circumstances? The best piece of advice I ever received came from my mom. It’s hard to explain, but basically, she always told me to believe in me – no matter what people said, no matter what I didn't have, and no matter how difficult it appeared. She always told me to believe in myself.
You’re in your car listening to the radio. What song will get you to sing out loud, and which song will get you to change the station?I'm old-school when it comes to music, and I like different genres. My favorite is gospel, and my second favorite is old-school 80s. There is a song called “Super Woman” by Karen White, and when it comes on, I am singing at the top of my lungs. And even though this will probably have people throwing daggers at me, I do not like Taylor Swift. I shouldn't say I don't like her, I just don’t think she’s that great of an artist. But that's just me.
You are one of eight siblings. What are some of the benefits and detriments to being part of such a large family. You don't get as many things, because there's too many people. But the love, the laughter and the relationships you develop, even after you are adults and out on your own — you can't put a price on that.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? How to be the best possible person for my daughters. I don’t think I’m a horrible mother by any means, but I need to be the best me – not only for me, but for everyone around me. That’s when I think you are able to influence and reach people in a positive way.
Position at SDJ: Senior Facilities Manager, School District of Janesville
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 24 years
Education: Parker High School graduate (1984); Welding Certification, Blackhawk Technical College
Family:Wife, Monique; daughters Ashley, Samantha and Rachel; grandchildren Mackenzie, Ava, Max, Macie, Bryson, Bronx and Livy
If you weren’t in your current position, what would your dream career have been? I would like to have been a police officer. That job is all about helping people, and I would have liked that. And the uniforms are cool.
You are a U.S. Navy veteran. Were you always interested in joining the military or was there a particular reason you joined up? My father-in-law was in the U.S. Navy for six years on the USS John Paul Jones, which was involved in the Bay of Pigs. That always intrigued me. Also, my brother John, who was my best buddy, went into the Navy while I went to college to study criminal justice to become a cop. We did everything together, and it was gut-wrenching not having him around. So I did a year at college and I joined (the Navy), too. After I completed boot camp and my orders came back, I was stationed in San Diego on the USS Hewitt, the exact same ship as my brother.
You formerly competed as a boxer. What led to your interest in the sport? My brother was heavy into boxing, and I pretty much followed in his footsteps. When we were young, if my brother and I got into an argument, my dad would invite us out to the driveway, take a big piece of chalk and draw a square in the middle. He put boxing gloves on us and said, “There you are. Go at it.” When we got a little older, the YMCA started offering boxing lessons, so we joined the YMCA. I also fought in the Navy, as did my brother. He continued after that with toughman contests, but I didn’t get into that.
What person in history would you most like to meet, and why? I’d like to pick Abraham Lincoln’s brain, because he was amazing. So forward thinking for that time, and it set the course for where we are now. I have a lot of respect for that guy.
You’re currently working on restoring a 1955 Chevy truck. How did you get involved with that? I always wanted a 1950s Chevy. My dad had a 1952 when I was growing up, and I fell in love with that truck. So I started scoping the internet and stumbled on an ad by a guy from Fredonia who had a 1955 that was in my price range. I zipped up there, took a look and bought it. The outside looks pretty good, but the inside needs a lot of work.
If you’re flipping through TV channels, what show/movie always gets you to sit down and watch? "Seinfeld." But I’m disciplined – I’m not a guy to sit and watch TV for hours. I love the humor and all of the little bitty pieces that are involved in one episode. And I love Kramer. I think he’s hilarious.
Name the one item that you could not live without. Pizza. I like the works, but not anchovies or pineapple or any of that nonsense. I particularly love Lisa Pizzeria (in Janesville).
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I am very active in my church. I’m a member at Peace Lutheran Church (in Janesville) and I do their boiler work and stuff like that. I used to do a lot of their buildings and grounds work, but I stepped down and now I’m kind of an assistant with that.
What do you wish people knew about how complicated it is to decide on a snow day? I look at at least five different weather predicting entities, and I sit here for a couple of hours trying to forecast when the snow is going to start, when it’s going to end and how much we’re going to get in between. I want to give the snowplow crew ample notification, so before they leave the building (the day before) I’ll say, ‘Hey, see you at 2 a.m.’ That way if they have to shift their evening around, they know. I’m not going to call them at midnight and say, ‘Hey, come in.’ There’s a LOT that goes into calling a snow day, and the most important thing is to deliver accurate information to the superintendent so he can make his decision.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? I’d love to get on a job site and operate a big crane. I’ve known guys that have done this for 25-30 years and it’s amazing what they can do with hand levers – picking something up like it’s their own hands and then placing it to within a fraction of an inch somewhere. It has always amazed me.
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Well … pizza. That and probably a bag of Heath bars. Whatever is in toffee, I love it.
You have two hours of free time. What do you do? Work on my truck. I’m not much of a relaxer. If I’m sitting and something’s on my mind, I start thinking it’s not going to get done. My wife asks why I get up at 5 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and I tell her that if I sleep until 8 a.m. I feel like I’ve blown half of my day.
If you could travel anywhere in the world for free, where would you choose to visit? I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland. That is on my bucket list. I love the Irish heritage, and just seeing videos of those rolling green hills intrigues me.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? I would hook my church up – hook them up real good. I would also have a plan in place for my children and grandchildren but, if it was a large sum, I would be more bound to help people with it. Money’s great, but it’s not life.
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: Marrying my wife. When I look at her, I know exactly what I wouldn’t have now. I have three beautiful daughters, three great sons-in-law and seven amazing grandchildren who are all standouts in their schools. I’m a lucky man.
Position at SDJ: School Social Worker, Craig High School
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 6 years
Education: Bachelor's Degree, Social Work, UW-Whitewater; Master's Degree, Social Work, UW-Whitewater
Family:Husband, Phil; sons Davis and Dayne; dog Marshall
Can you offer a brief description of what you do for the School District of Janesville? I am a school social worker assigned to Craig High School. In my role, I work with students and families to offer support and assistance in removing barriers and obstacles that might be limiting their successes both in and out of school. I link families to both in-school support services and community resources. I also work as part of the Student Services team to support families in meeting their basic needs while also working with students to support their emotional well being.
If you weren’t in your current position with SDJ, what do you think you would be doing for a career? Well, realistically, I know I would still be working for Rock County in a social work role, as that’s the position I left before coming to the district. However, if I wasn‘t a social worker at all, I would have loved to fall into a field where I could use my creativity more! I once was the art coordinator at the Boys & Girls Club, and I literally got to hang out with adorable kids all day, writing their names in bubble letters and coloring with new markers. It was a dream. So if you can find me a job as an executive doodler – I’m there.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My first job with an actual paycheck was at Wagner's Business Supply. I learned quickly that I didn’t know a thing about business supplies, so I quickly moved on to Rock Theatres, which I loved. I realized you could actually have fun while working and meet friends outside of school who you wouldn’t have met otherwise. It is probably where my love for fresh popcorn and fountain soda truly began.
If you could learn to do any one thing, what would it be? I have a long list of skills I wish I possessed. However, I can say I really do wish someone could teach me to sing and be musically talented, as I would not keep that talent bottled up. If I could sing, I would dance down the halls every day singing and starting a party wherever I went. I make up songs in the kitchen a lot, but my kids are not impressed.
Your position as a school social worker calls for round-the-clock positivity. What methods do you use to maintain that perspective? I’m not sure if it’s so much round-the-clock positivity with me as more round-the-clock perspective. This field has taught me so much about what is actually important in life and what truly matters, so the little things don’t get under my skin as much. I spent more than 10 years in child welfare and five in juvenile justice. Child welfare was the hardest work I have ever done in my life, but it taught me so much about myself, relationships, families and the human spirit that I am better for it. I don’t have time to judge others or their situation; I’m here to offer support, guidance or a listening ear to them when they need it. That’s what matters.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? There are so many places I’ve never been. To start, I would love to travel to Greece or Italy. I’m enamored by the beauty of the scenery, the food, and of course, the people.
Share something you find rewarding and something you find frustrating about your job. Rewarding: These are the moments you make true connections with individuals, whether that be a student, their family or a staff member. As a social worker, you are often brought into people’s lives during their most vulnerable moments. That can’t be easy for them, so when an “a-ha moment” happens in the quiet of my office, in the crowded hallway or on their front door step, it makes me feel like I’m in the right place. Offering a safe place for students to vent, cry, rest, decompress or just be silent could be the most meaningful part of their day – and mine. Frustrating: This is when you know there is something that would benefit a student or family greatly and there is no way for you to secure it for them. A safe and stable residence, a good-paying job for mom or a reliable vehicle for the family are just some examples. A big one right now is finding appropriate and available mental health resources. There is a true mental health crisis going on in our country, and the lack of available and appropriate resources is extremely frustrating. There are times you just feel defeated in what realistic options you have for families.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. People that don’t know me well would be surprised to know I am the key to starting the dance party at any wedding or function. I can and will dance alone on the dance floor if needed, and have won my fair share of dance contests, believe it or not. (I am going to guess the step team I worked with this last school year would NOT believe that).
Name the one item you own that you could not live without. I guess something I own that I use every single day is the ice maker. I could not live without ice. I love drinking all beverages on ice, especially Diet Coke. My McDonald’s order is always “Large Diet Coke with extra ice, please.”
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? I loved Sociology class because I find people and the human experience so interesting! I also loved any type of art class; I just wish I was better at it. I absolutely love seeing the talent of the artists at Craig High School. My favorite is when new projects are hung up in the hallway to stare at and appreciate.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. CHEESE! ALL OF IT: Shredded, sliced, string, cottage, cream, spread, curd, crumbled – any of it! I could eat cheese and crackers for every meal (that has happened a lot this summer).
Who is your favorite Muppet? I am a big fan of both the Muppets and Sesame Street. I’m gonna have to go with Grover; that guy doesn’t get enough recognition. So, loveable, funny and cuddly! Also, my favorite book when I was little was “The Monster at the End of This Book” – starring Grover, of course.
What is your favorite thing to eat, and where is your favorite place to get it? Cheese and crackers, for sure. I guess if I had to figure out my favorite place to get it, I’d say Mullin’s Cheese Shop in Mosinee. I only get to stop once a year on the way to our family vacation in St Germain. Going to St. Germain is my favorite summer tradition, so the stop at the cheese shop lets me know there’s not much longer until the week of relaxation on the lake begins.
What song, when it comes on the radio, has you singing along? Which one makes you immediately turn the dial? I love a wide variety of music (Country, Rap, Pop, Oldies – whatever). The songs that are always turned up the loudest, though, have to be the songs that take me back to UW-Whitewater – which would be late 90s and early 2000s Hip-Hop. I can say I probably have never stayed tuned in to a radio station to listen to classical music. Ever.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? How much time do we have? “You have your whole life to be whoever you want to be!” “If you don’t like something about yourself – change it.” “Making mistakes and lacking confidence comes with the territory. Embrace it.” “Wear sunscreen. You’ll thank me later.” “Travel! Go now! Explore. All the places.”
Position at SDJ: Bilingual/English Language Teacher, Jackson Elementary School
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 14 years
Education: Bachelor's Degree, Elementary Education, University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley; Master's Degree, Educational Administration, National Louis University.
Family:Husband, Simon; sons Gabriel and Isaac; daughter AngelicaEve.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My first job was two-fold: dance teacher at La Joya Middle School and assistant director of the La Joya High School Mexican Folkloric Dance Group (La Joya ISD, La Joya, Texas). I learned that through hard work, dedication and grit the coined phrase, “If you can dream it, you can achieve it. If you can achieve it, you can become it!” was possible. At the time, I was living the dream immediately after graduation.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? I would learn how to use a pottery wheel to make pottery. The idea of molding and shaping something from nothing but a piece of clay fascinates me.
You grew up in south Texas. What are some of the things you miss about the Lone Star State, and what are some things you like about Wisconsin? I miss Texas BBQ, dancing to Tejano music and two-stepping at weddings to George Strait hits. Yet, what I miss even more is being in the presence of my seven Spanglish-speaking siblings in south Texas and my plethora of nieces, nephews and cousins. Wisconsin - I love everything about Wisconsin! I love my Janesvillite hubby, my Midwest kids, the four seasons, the green rolling hills, the cheese, the climate, Madison and the friendly Midwesterners. I am more of a Midwest gal than a Texan now that I’ve lived here for 29 years and counting.
You are the youngest sibling in a large family. What are the benefits/drawbacks to being the baby of the group? I’m the youngest of eight. With an 8-year gap between myself and the second-to-the-youngest, I was an unexpected surprise. Benefits: spoiled rotten with love, lots of learned lessons from others’ mistakes, blessed with professional role models with incomparable work ethic, and never a dull moment in our lives. Drawbacks: hearing “you’re not old enough” repeatedly, never getting a word in edgewise, and watching my beloved elderly siblings (my role models) deteriorate in health.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Andalucia, southern Spain, the birthplace of flamenco. I want to “tablao” hope and dance flamenco alongside a “bailaora” before I’m 80.
You speak both Spanish and English. Can you put into words the value that comes with being bilingual? Being bilingual is invaluable, truly priceless. In the late 1980s, my university’s education department chair (a Latino) told me to minor in bilingual/bicultural education. He promised me that if I did, I would always be employed and that there would be a need for my translation abilities and teaching license anywhere in the world. He was right.
You are Latina, and your husband is Lebanese. How have you come together to celebrate your individual heritages and share them with your families? First and foremost, we respect and have a genuine love for each other’s cultures, languages and traditions. During our most important holidays – Christmas and Easter – we celebrate aspects of both. Our children have been taught the importance of embracing both and carrying on these traditions after we’re gone.
I understand you love to dance. How did you first get involved with dancing, and what about it brings you so much joy? Dancing is a passion and truly innate for me. My parents were phenomenal dancers. At family weddings, they were always on the dance floor dancing to Latin live “orquestras.” I loved watching them and begged my Daddy to take me on the dance floor instead of Mom. I studied ballet, jazz and lyrical through middle school, and then Mexican Folkorico and Flamenco at UT-RGV. The joy it brings me is indescribable. It feeds my soul.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. In my early 20s, I had the opportunity to travel to Anchorage, Alaska to visit a friend. I spent two weeks there, biked Anchorage in a day and took another day to recuperate from the pain in my legs. I saw a moose family on the trail by snow-capped mountains and the seaside. I cried when I flew back home. I didn’t want to leave. I felt it was leaving a piece of heaven behind. Unfortunately, I haven’t been back since.
What person in history would you most like to meet? My forte is elementary education, and I LOVE teaching elementary-age children English; it’s like giving them a priceless gift. So who would I like to meet? My Lord, Jesus Christ, my Savior. I want to walk alongside Him. Listen to Him preach, especially when He called forth the children. Mark 10: 14-15: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Free up my finances for myself and my children and their generations to come, with stipulations: travel the world, build a safe house for abused and abandoned children in Wisconsin and then across large cities in the USA, build my own K-12 private school in south central Wisconsin, build a Greek Orthodox Church in Janesville. All things done as my first thing as I’d multitask and get them all started at the same time within months. Anyone who knows me knows I’ll get it done!
When you were a young student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? English. I loved learning the semantics and grammar of the English language, including its rhythm and rhyme. English poetry and prose intrigues me. My favorite poets are Robert Frost, Nikki Giovanni, José-Luis Orozco and Maya Angelou.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Almond/coconut milk. It has a longer shelf life than dairy milk, and it’s a great base for protein smoothies.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I’m incredibly proud of my husband and children, whom together with me saw my elderly parents through their dementia, caregiving and loving them through their last years of life. They helped me keep my promise to my mother that she would never be in a nursing home as long as I lived. My greatest regret is not having completed my first Master’s of Education in Higher Education Administration that I began in 1993 at UW-Madison. I changed course in my life goals. Being young, I didn’t think I’d have use for it, so I didn’t complete it. Big mistake!
Share a piece of advice that has stuck with you. Who did it come from, and why did it stick? “Todo tiene solución en la vida, mijita, menos la muerte,” which means “Everything (any problem) in life has a solution, my daughter except death.” My mother, Eva Vela Quintanilla, shared this with me. It stuck because I valued her opinion.
Position at SDJ: Special Education Teacher and Dean of Students, Rock River Charter School (Update:Burdette left RRCS at the end of the 2024-25 school year to become an at-risk math teacher at Craig High School).
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 24 years
Education: Bachelor's Degree, Special Education, SLD Grade 6-12, UW-Whitewater; Master's Degree, Professional Education/Educational Psychology, UW-Madison; Master's Degree, School Administration, Cardinal Stritch University.
Family:Husband, Jeff; sons Benjamin and Samuel.
Can you offer a brief description of what you do as dean of students at RRCS? In addition to my role as a special education teacher at RRCS, I also serve as Dean of Students. In this role, I am responsible for the academic and behavioral progress of at-risk students within an alternative setting while promoting good attendance rates and ensuring school safety. In addition, I support the teaching staff by developing classroom management programs. I work with staff to create equitable behavior improvement plans, maintain and review student discipline records, and conduct attendance meetings to avoid truancy. I collaborate with school and agency counselors, teachers, administrators, parents and related service providers to promote academic, character and post-secondary success.
What inspired you to embark on a career in education? I have always enjoyed working with kids and knew I wanted to try and help make a difference.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? The very first job I ever had other than babysitting was at TCBY (The Country’s Best Yogurt) when it was in Janesville. I only worked there for one day. They had me working in the back making waffle cones, but it got super busy. The manager called me up front to help out without any training. I remember I tried to make a shake and put a hole through the bottom of the cup and got ice cream everywhere. I also had no idea how to work the cash register and other employees around me were getting upset with me. After day one, I never went back. I did learn to always double cup a shake so in case you break through the bottom, there is another layer of protection.
Name the one item you own that you could not live without. My dog, Oakley. I know she will not live forever, but I cannot live without having a dog in my life.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? Fly fighter jets. It has always been a dream of mine to fly airplanes, but I would really love to go Mach 2 with my hair on fire!
The very best part of my job is: Watching students realize that graduation is not just a possibility but a reality, and seeing the smiles on their faces when they ring the graduation bell.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would go to Africa and spend time in an African wildlife rehabilitation center, where I would work with any animal that does not fly. I HATE BIRDS!
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study? Phy Ed. I was a cadet in high school at Craig and loved leading class.
Name one person in history you would most like to meet, and explain why you chose that person. Amelia Earhart. I would just like to get to know more about her and find out what happened to her and if there was anything that could have been done to avoid her tragic ending.
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: Becoming a mom. There really is no greater joy.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. When I was in fourth and fifth grades, I was one of only three girls who tried out for and played Little League Baseball in Janesville.
What is your favorite food, and where is your favorite place to get it? STEAK grilled by my dad! It is the best!
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Frozen pizzas. You can never go wrong with a frozen pizza.
Share something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I am incredibly proud of my two sons and the men they are developing into. I regret not taking tennis lessons offered to me by my grandfather when I was younger. He was an amazing tennis player, and now I wish I would have taken those lessons.
If you could give your younger self a piece of valuable advice, what would it be? Don't let the fear of what other people think of you keep you from doing what you want.
Position at SDJ: Fifth-Grade Teacher, ARISE Virtual Academy (Update: Bergum left the district at the end of the 2023-24 school year).
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 28 years
Education: Bachelor's Degree, Special Education, Luther College; Bachelor's Degree, K-9 Education, Luther College; Minor -- Technical Theater, Luther College.
Family:Wife, Mary Beth Monson; daughter, Cameron Pickering; son, Danial Monson-Bergum.
What made you decide you wanted to be a teacher? I was always comfortable around younger kids when I was in high school. I helped kids who had intellectual needs. My nephew has Cerebral Palsy, and he is a big part of my life. Two of my childhood friends have cognitive challenges, and I enjoyed being with them. I taught elementary, middle and high school.
If you were not a teacher, what career path do you think you might have explored? I am passionate about a lot of things, but mostly theater. I have directed more than 60 theatrical productions over the past 25 years both in the school setting and the community. I enjoy planning a show from start to finish. My joy comes from the growth of the character and watching cast members develop.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? I worked repairing and delivering tires for Goodyear. It was a physical job, and logistical.
Do you have any superstitions? I use the phrase “break a leg” a lot. In high school, I said that to a friend just before a show. She turned, took steps and ran into a door. She broke her nose, went on to perform and then we took her to the emergency room. BUT SHE DID NOT BREAK A LEG!
During the days of COVID, you hosted the “Breakfast With Bergum” program. Explain what that was and why it was important. “Breakfast with Bergum” started when one of my sixth-grade virtual students met me early in the morning. He was making breakfast for his grandmother, and I found out he was putting a cookbook together of his and others favorite recipes. When he had to write a poem for a class assignment, he wrote about his waffles recipe. He added that to the book, and he continues to do so today. We began sharing breakfast with other kids from the class, so it became “Breakfast With Bergum.” It was an open chat when the kids were experiencing loneliness.
You have been a mainstay in youth and local theater. How did you first get involved in stage work, and do you prefer performing or teaching others to perform? I was in high school theater musicals, and I minored in tech theater at Luther College. My wife and I did a couple shows together, but I really enjoyed directing. I get jazzed seeing the kids get out of their shells. This year, a student who rarely spoke had a minor part in one of our plays. At first he was very quiet, but as the days went on, he was jumping on backs, poking his stage partner as directed, and accepted having that partner jump on his back. He became very animated, and he also felt accomplishment and pride. I love that. It is no different with community theater. I am reluctant to be on stage, but sometimes I will do a cameo.
Name the one person you believe had the greatest impact on you. Explain why you chose that person. Carl Feltz was my eighth-grade Social studies teacher, and he taught passionately. He took time with every student, and he pointed out my strengths rather than my weaknesses.
Name the one item you own that you could not live without. I have my grandmother's engagement box – a wooden chocolates box my grandfather bought. It is shaped like a bear, and he put two diamonds in where the eyes were. Inside was the ring. Grandma saw the ring, but didn’t understand the lack of diamonds. Grandpa pointed out the eyes. I get my passion from them. My great aunt was a teacher, and I have her school desk bell. She was involved in helping start the remedial reading programs in Wisconsin that led to special-needs programs.
You worked for SDJ for 23 years before retiring, and then later returned as a staff member at ARISE Virtual Academy. What are the main differences between teaching students predominantly in-person as opposed to mostly online? I loved the in-person classroom. I enjoyed the interaction with kids and the collaboration with teachers. I felt that I got to know my students well. But since teaching with ARISE, I have formed lasting relationships with students and their parents — sometimes even a grandparent or great uncle. I have more one-on-one time, and I develop a tight, trusting relationship with my students. In virtual education, the trust relationship comes first. Students are more likely to work hard on their assignments and they enjoy the parent involvement.
Do you collect anything? If so, what? I have a number of hobbies, and I keep an artifact from each of my interests.
You are a big fan of sailing. How did you get involved in that, and what would you consider your dream voyage? I sailed with my father in a small dinghy in a small lake. He moved up to a small catamaran. Then my neighbor gave me his 22-foot daysailer. FUN. I was more into motor boats, but my wife fell in love with the sailboat. My father wanted to cruise the Mississippi River in his boat, and that became my dream. From there, I started to learn about the American Great Loop. The southeastern part of the United States is really an Island. From Lake Michigan you enter the river systems at Chicago via the Illinois River to the Mississippi to the Ohio to the Tennessee. Then you take the Tom Bigbee to the Gulf of Mexico and go around Florida and up the ICW river system to New York via the Hudson River to the Erie Canal. Then it’s back to the Great Lakes and on to Milwaukee. It is 6,000 miles, and the sailboat moves at about 7-8 miles per hour, so it takes one year. We leave this summer.
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Cheese curds.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? I want to learn to play the mandolin. My best friend played the mandolin in our bluegrass band. It is an elegant instrument.
Knowing what you know now, what piece of advice do you wish you could have given to yourself as a 16-year-old? Cars will go into the ditch when you drive too fast. Fathers will still ground you, and 3 acres of grass takes a long time to mow.
You were previously involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. What was it about that particular service organization that appealed to you? I recently became a Big Brother for one of my previous students. The organization provides a safe relationship with adults and young boys and girls. A person can affect the lives of others so much. When my father was young, he helped a young man after that boy’s father passed away. I didn’t know that until years after my Dad died. I was singing at a festival when a man came up to me and asked if I was related to the Bergums of Black Earth. I told him who my father was, and he began to sob right there. This was the boy my father took to a father/son dinner. My dad changed his life by doing that with him. Sometimes it only takes a little time to change a life.
Can you offer a brief description of what you do for the School District of Janesville? I assist families and process all free/reduced meal applications. I also order food for all 12 elementary schools, serve as the student account specialist and I hire student nutrition employees.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? I worked at an Arby’s in Champaign, Illinois, from age 16 until the time I was 19. It taught me that I was a hard worker and that I loved helping people.
If you could learn to do any one thing, what would it be? I would train my dogs so they would be able to visit children in childrens’ hospitals.
In your opinion, why is the focus on school nutrition so important? Children in our country have food insecurities. We need to make sure our children are fed healthy meals so they can learn. If you’ve ever been hungry, that is all you can think about – not the subject in front of you. I was that student. It’s one of the main reasons I have so much passion for what I do.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would travel all around Europe to see everything my daughter loved while studying abroad.
The best part of my job is: Besides helping families, it’s working with my amazing co-workers in the district. I’ve made a lot of friends over the span of being a parent of two students and working for SDJ. It’s a great community.
Do you have any hobbies? My favorite thing to do is spending time with my brand-new grandbaby, Ella. I also love to ride on the back of my husband’s Harley-Davidson and travel with my family and friends.
Name the one item you own that you could not live without. My curling iron, for obvious reasons. My hair needs help without it.
When you were a student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? Also, what was your high school’s mascot? Gym class. I was an athlete and, unfortunately, I wasn’t very studious. I grew up in Fisher, Illinois, and went to Fischer Jr./Sr. High School. Our mascot was the Bunnies. Look them up – they are pretty fierce.
When you were a student, what was your favorite lunch item? I had the best lunch lady, who was always so kind. Marsha Preston made the very best salads in high school. In grade school, I loved the chicken and dumplings.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Diet Coke. I’m not a coffee drinker, so Diet Coke helps me start my day.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. Besides the obvious – my family – I am so proud of the role I play in the student nutrition department. I started out 19 years ago as a helper and worked my way up. It started off as my two-year plan and ended up being a career path. I’ve had incredible people to work with, and so many that I’ve learned from over the years and continue to learn from. I feel very blessed. As for the second part of that question … probably my high school attendance record.
What is your favorite thing to eat, and where is your favorite place to get it? Monical’s Pizza! There are several locations, and the closest is two hours away in El Paso, Illinois. We always stop if we are driving by..
What song, when it comes on the radio, has you singing along? Which one makes you immediately turn the dial? I always sing along to “All Summer Long” by Kid Rock. I change the station every time I hear “Mother” by Danzig.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? You are going to have a great life. Enjoy the moments.
Position at SDJ: Band/Orchestra Teacher, Marshall Middle School
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 9 years
Education: Bachelor's degree in Music Education from UW-Whitewater; Master's degree in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago.
Family: Wife, Jessica; sons Ben and Eddie; daughters Elise and Celia; dog, Humble.
How did music become such an important part of your life? My mom always wanted to play piano, but didn’t get started until later in high school. My dad also wanted to be involved with music but never had the opportunity as a child. My parents (with grandparent support from both sides) got a piano for my older brother and I, and they started us in piano lessons at the end of my first-grade year. My mom knew enough about the piano to help us with our lessons and made sure we practiced. Thank you to my family for supporting me all along the way!
If you were not in your current field, what career direction do you think you might have explored? This is a difficult question because I never really knew what I wanted to do in the first place! When I met Jessica in college, she encouraged me to pursue music education. I decided to give it a try and now I know this is where I was meant to be. However, if not education, perhaps something in home remodeling/repair. It would be awesome to know what to do and how to do it when something needs fixing or improving.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My first job was working at the west-side Dairy Queen in Janesville, where I worked for five summers. I learned the importance of teamwork, customer service and managing expectations in a fast-paced environment.
Among your hobbies are biking, walking, hiking and fishing. What is it about being outdoors that reinvigorates you? Exercise helps to relieve stress, which is important for me. I also enjoy getting fresh air and time away from the usual routine. It gives me time to think and I prefer not to listen to music during these activities. I am also fascinated by the world around us, especially birds.
I know you enjoy composing and arranging music for your students. Have you ever had anything published? Yes, I've had a few pieces for string orchestra published through (sheet music publisher) Hal Leonard. I've also recently begun the process of self-publishing, which is quite involved, but I've had some help along the way! I am thankful to friends and colleagues for their help with recording, and former student John van Dorsten, who developed my website: thomasmaymusic.com.
Share a musical instrument you can’t currently play but would like to learn, and why? Guitar. I can tune it and play two or three chords, but that's it. The guitar is portable, versatile, and I enjoyed hearing my father-in-law play it, as well.
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: Becoming a husband and father. My amazing wife and family are a constant blessing to me, and I don't know where I'd be without them!
Name the one item you own that you could not live without. My CPAP machine. I can't get a good night's rest without it.
In your opinion, why is music class such an important educational component for elementary school students? Music is an integral part of the human experience. Music connects people with themselves and the world around them. The study of music develops imagination, curiosity and creative thinking, which benefits all areas of study. Practicing music also encourages discipline, self-confidence and skill mastery. I love to see the excitement students show when they realize that they can be successful on their instrument.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. While at UW-Whitewater, I became interested in radio broadcasting and got involved with the college station. Over the course of a few semesters, I did various spots on the radio such as news, sports, weather and, of course, being a DJ. I enjoyed it but found it wasn’t something I wanted to do for a career.
If you cook/bake, what dish do you consider your specialty? I enjoy cooking, especially breakfast. Also, my wife and I have a friendly competition/rivalry going about who makes the best tuna melt sandwiches. According to our kids, my wife is currently the champ!
If you could have tickets to any concert featuring any artist (alive or dead), who would you want to see and why? Gene Harris and the Three Sounds. Gene had a very distinctive bluesy/funky style of piano playing that I really enjoy listening to.
Aside from your parents, did you have any other music influences as a youth? There are so many teachers that made a difference for me. Thelma Wilcox (aka TJ) was one of those teachers. She directed the Janesville Golden Strings, which was a group of Parker and Craig students that would memorize their music and stroll as they played amongst audience members for various events. I remember how TJ arranged most if not all of the music for this group and wrote all of the parts out by hand. I played accordion in the group, and TJ would often give me rides to practices and performances. We toured England and Scotland in the summer of 1994. We visited amazing places such as Westminster Abbey, Floors Castle, and we took in a performance by the Edinburgh Tattoo.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Ice cream is definitely one of my weaknesses. Pretty much any flavor will do! However, if I'm at a specialty ice cream shop and could get a flavor that combines coffee and dark chocolate, that would be my go-to.
You’re in your car, listening to the radio. What song will get you to sing out loud, and which song will get you to change the station? If I'm listening to the radio, I tend to change stations a lot. Although it's not on the radio too often anymore, "Stressed Out" by 21 Pilots is a fun one to sing along with. It's got a good beat, some nostalgia, and I can relate to the title! Songs such as "Grenade" by Bruno Mars will make me change the station. I don’t want something like that stuck in my head.
Position at SDJ: Special Education Paraprofessional, Harrison Elementary School
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 7 years
Education: High school and some college courses.
Family: Husband, Chris; children Alex, Cody, Dustin and Dakota.
Can you offer a brief description of what you do as a paraprofessional in the School District of Janesville? I work the majority of the time with students who are in the ID program at Harrison in grades K-3. I help with their academic skills in general and special education. I help them interact with other students appropriately and build connections with other peers in their classrooms. I also help them with their personal care (toileting, eating and positioning). I help them learn communication skills and how to learn AAC devices to communicate with others.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I think people would be surprised at how loud I am (at work, I am normally pretty quiet) or how many different states I have lived in (I have lived in nine different states).
Share one of the most rewarding aspects of your job as a paraprofessional and one of the most challenging aspects.Rewarding: To be looked at as an advocate and voice for my students. But I love when my students learn to be their own advocates and are able to tell us what they want and need; Challenging: It’s hard for me at times to be my student’s voice and advocate at times. It’s hard to have those difficult conversations with co-workers and other students when needed.
You have two hours of free time. What do you do? If I had two hours of free time, I would spend it with my family or reading a book.
Share the last good book you read or the last good film/TV show you watched? The last TV show I watched was “NCIS.” My older boys want to watch the show for family time. They wanted to see what the early shows were like.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? I would love to learn how to knit. You have to have a lot of patience. I am working on the patience part.
If you didn’t work in education, what career field do you think you would have pursued and why? I would want to do something that has to do with helping others.
What was your favorite subject in school? Math. I really liked figuring out the patterns.
Share a piece of advice you wish you could give to your younger self. I would tell myself to slow down so as not to miss out on the small stuff.
What inspired you to look for a career in education? I chose a career in education because watching I get to see students grow and realize they can do anything they put their minds to. At the same time, they are teaching me. Why wouldn’t you want a career in education?
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Mountain Dew is one thing that always goes into my shopping cart. It's my guilty pleasure.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? If I could travel anywhere in the world, it would be Ireland. The castles, the endless hills. It would be an amazing adventure.
Who is your favorite cartoon character? Miss Frizzle (from “The Magic School Bus”) was my favorite. She loved adventure and exploring new ways of doing things.
Name the one item you own that you simply could not live without? My family and Mountain Dew. I might get a little cranky without the Dew. My family is what keeps me grounded.
You’re in your car, listening to the radio. Which song makes you turn the volume up, and which song makes you turn the radio off? Pretty much whatever my kids are listening to (Skillet, Descendants and "Frozen" are some of their favorites).
Name one person from history you would most like to meet. Amelia Earhart would be one person I would like to meet. No matter what adversities she had to deal with, she never gave up on her dream.
In a world full of Toms and Tammys, you don’t meet nearly enough Rainbows. Have you always been happy with your name? My name means a lot of different things: mom, wife, daughter and the best aunt. I like my name.
What are you most proud of when looking back on your time working in education? The one thing I am so proud of when I look back at my time working in education is my confidence. When I first started, I knew I wanted to help out with this group of students, but it was a little intimidating. Now, after seven years, I could not imagine doing anything else as my career. I love building relationships with these students and seeing them grow and learn throughout their elementary school years.
Position at SDJ: P4J Social Worker, Educational Services Center
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 5 years
Education: Bachelor's degree, Social Work, UW-Oshkosh; Master's degree, Social Work, UW-Madison.
Family: Husband, Dane. Parents Joe and Debby, and sisters Marissa and Samm.
Can you offer a brief description of what you do for the School District of Janesville? I am a P4J social worker. I do various jobs such as help connect families to community resources, plan P4J district-wide family engagement events, figure out ways to help students get to school and support teachers in classrooms.
If you weren’t in your current position with SDJ, what do you think you would be doing for a career? I would work in a bookstore or at the library because they are such peaceful places. I enjoy reading and the smell of new books!
Share something you find rewarding and something you find frustrating about being a school social worker. Rewarding: Working in P4J means I get to be a part of students’ and families’ first experiences in the district. I love seeing how excited students are to be at school. If you are excited about something, they are excited! My all-time favorite thing is when I walk into a classroom and the students are so happy I’m there that they give me lots of hugs! Their joy is contagious. Frustrating: I wish we had an infinite amount of resources to give to all of our families.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? It was at an after-school daycare program. This is where I learned I wanted to pursue a career working with kids.
If you could learn to do any one thing, what would it be? Surf. It just looks so cool, and I would love to be in a barrel wave! Also, if I knew how to surf, it would probably mean I live near a beach, so that would be nice, too.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Greece and Italy, because I am both Greek and Italian. I would enjoy getting to experience that part of who I am, and the food and views would likely be amazing! I also have a goal to get to all 50 states before I turn 50. As of now, I have been to 28 states. The most recent state was Hawaii, and we were fortunate to have left the day before the wildfires started.
The best part of my job is: Every day is so different, and there is always more to learn! I am always making new connections with students and families, and I enjoy helping my families and students find “wins.” I also work with the best P4J team, which definitely makes work fun!
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I enjoy astronomy. In college, I was part of a group that would go out in the middle of the night with telescopes to look at planets, constellations, meteor showers, lunar eclipses, etc. One night, we were lucky enough to see Saturn.
You’re a big football fan, but you’re from Chicago. Dare I ask which NFL team you favor? I was born and raised in Schaumburg, Illinois, but I am a big Green Bay Packers fan. Actually, my whole family likes the Packers. My dad has season tickets, so I’ve been to a lot of games. I’ve even been on the Lambeau jumbotron and have high-fived Mason Crosby!
Name the one item you own that you could not live without. My new coffee maker, because it does everything! Iced coffee, regular coffee, espresso … all the things!
You’re involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. What made you decide to get involved? I was in grad school in Madison, and one of my classmates worked for Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She told me they needed Big Sisters, and that is when I got involved. I was matched with my little sister, Milly, who was 6 at the time and is now 10. We hang out a lot, going to the park, the fair, swimming, movies … and we both love McDonald’s chicken nuggets!
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. Proud: Running a full marathon. I think the training was harder than the actual run itself. Regret: I left a Keith Urban concert a tiny bit early in hopes of beating the traffic. My friends who stayed ended up getting to meet and take pictures with Keith.
What is your favorite thing to eat, and where is your favorite place to get it? Steak and potatoes at Texas Roadhouse because you get to pick two sides – which means I order double mashed potatoes!
What song, when it comes on the radio, has you singing along? Which one makes you immediately turn the dial? I am turning the music up if Taylor Swift or Shania Twain come on! I was lucky enough to see both Shania Twain and Taylor Swift in concert over the summer. For Taylor Swift, I got to sit in the fourth row and it was truly amazing! I am changing the dial if an overplayed country song comes on.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? I still don’t know what I am doing, so maybe ask in another 10 years.
Position at SDJ: Head Custodian, Roosevelt Elementary School. (Update: Saliby retired from the district at the end of the 2023-24 school year).
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 22 years
Education: Graduate, South Iredell High School (Statesville, N.C.), 1987.
Family: Wife, Becky; daughter, Emily, and son, Sullivan.
Your name is quite recognizable for anyone familiar with local theater. What initially led you to the stage? I started doing theater at the age of 10. My sister wanted to audition for a dinner theater production of “The King and I,” so I went along for the ride. After she auditioned, the casting director asked me if I wanted to audition. I ended up getting in, and she didn't. She was not very happy with me.
If you weren’t working as head custodian at Roosevelt, what do you think you would be doing for a career? I really enjoy interacting with people and grew up in the restaurant business. I would probably be managing a restaurant and periodically bartending there.
You’re a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan. What led to you following the black and gold instead of the green and gold? I was born in California and grew up in the 70s there. My family were all Oakland Raiders fans and I wanted to be different, so I started rooting for the STEELERS. It is the same reason I am a Yankees fan instead of a Dodgers fan.
What is the best thing about being a custodian at an elementary school? What is the worst thing about being a custodian at an elementary school? The best thing about being an elementary head custodian is providing positive influences and interactions with children. The worst things are the CODE #2 clean-ups (use your imagination).
What is your favorite board game to play, and why? I have always enjoyed Trivial Pursuit because I love trivia.
If you could have free tickets to see any theatrical performance in any location, what would it be and where would it be? It would have to be “Les Misérables in Concert: The 25th Anniversary” that was performed at The O2 Arena in North Greenwich, London, England in 2010. It is my all-time favorite.
What person in history would you most like to meet, and why? I would love to have met Frank Sinatra and hang with The Rat Pack. Those guys were the coolest.
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: My best friend and I were in Pittsburgh to see a game, and we were staying at the Hilton where the players stayed before the game. I had my Rod Woodson jersey on, and my friend was sporting a No. 95 Greg Lloyd jersey (big shoes to fill Keanu). We turned the corner and they both were coming out of a team meeting. They signed our jerseys, and Rod had two interceptions the next day to beat the formerly undefeated New Orleans Saints.
If you turn on the TV, what show/movie will you sit down and watch no matter how much of it you have already missed? Which show/movie will you turn off right away? I still watch “Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan” when I come across it, but lately it has been “Avengers: Endgame” that gets me. I would rather chew glass than watch “The Bachelor.”
What makes you grateful? I am grateful that my kids are becoming amazing and kind adults. I am also grateful to my wife for putting up with me.
Name the one item you own that you could not live without. I would have to say that it is my Ping putter, which is more than 50 years old. It was handed down from my Dad to my brother and then to me. It is always a conversation starter on the course, and it has seen and drained some great putts in staff outings.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I did several national TV commercials when I was younger. They can be found on Youtube if you look in the right place.
If you could both star in and direct any theatrical production, which would it be and why? I would love to direct and star in “Big Fish.” I loved the movie, and the stage show was also wonderful.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? I would look up in the sky and thank my Mom in heaven for the luck.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? I would love to play piano. I took lessons when I was young but never stuck with it.
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. I always stock up on Popsicles, especially the Bomb Pops.
You have two hours of free time. What do you do? I would probably try to squeeze in a round of golf.
If you could travel anywhere in the world for free, where would you choose to visit? It would be Ireland. I would love to see the old castles and tour the local pubs.
Position at SDJ: English Learner Teacher, Franklin Middle School
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 8 years
Education: Bachelor's degree in International Studies/Spanish from UW-Oshkosh; Master's degree in Teaching of Languages, University of Southern Mississippi; Teaching Certificate from Georgia State University.
Family: Husband, Steve; daughters Susanna, Laine and Kate; son Evan, and an orange kitty named Peaches.
Can you offer a brief description of what you do for the School District of Janesville? The primary job responsibility of an EL teacher is to improve the English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills of students of diverse languages and backgrounds. I work with middle-schoolers and usually have the same kids for all three years. I help make the academic content accessible to all students. I work with my co-teaching colleagues to find ways to modify or scaffold instruction which benefits everyone in the classroom. I do family engagement events, advocate for our diverse multicultural learners and provide a connection between families and school. One of my most satisfying roles is helping immigrants access the services they need at school and in the community to navigate their new life in America. Because of my Spanish language skills, I do a lot of interpreting at Franklin, as well.
If you weren’t in your current position with SDJ, what do you think you would be doing for a career? Before I became a teacher, I worked for the Government of Argentina as the Assistant to the Deputy Consul at the Consulate General of Argentina in Atlanta. My favorite part of that position was being involved in planning and hosting events. I left Atlanta and got into teaching because I relocated to small-town eastern North Carolina. I think if I had not moved, I would have worked for a company in international sales or marketing.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My first job was summer corn detasseling. It was hard, hot work, but I learned the value of money, perseverance, tackling big jobs in chunks and that work is more fun with friends.
What went into your decision to become an EL teacher specifically? I started teaching Spanish at the high school level and ended teaching at UW-Rock County. I often had Spanish-speaking students ask me if I would proofread their papers for other courses. Some of the students had been EL students at some point, and I heard so many good stories about educators who had helped them out along the way. After 23 years of identifying as a Spanish teacher, I started to think about making the jump. Honestly, a part of me was working the retirement angle, too. I could live the winter in some warm place like Colombia and tutor English.
If you could learn to do any one thing, what would it be? I have always wanted to learn how to scuba dive. I’ve traveled to some great places but had to enjoy the water snorkeling. The idea of it both terrifies and excites me.
If you could travel anywhere in the world free of charge, where would you go and why? Oh, so many choices. I love to travel and I think right now if you were giving me a week off school and a free trip, I’d be off to Montenegro. Montenegro? Exactly, I think it is flying under the radar, so it would be perfect for my country No. 29. It’s close to Italy, Croatia and Greece, but quieter.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. That I don’t know how to drive a manual transmission. There’s a cute 1974 MG convertible parked in our garage, but I don’t know how to drive it.
What initially drew you to the idea of learning a second language? I had an amazing Spanish teacher back in the day at Franklin – Mrs. Lyones. Memories of her class involve a lot of food. I believe it was her (but it could have been Mrs. Ostic at Parker) that took us to the neighborhoods of Chicago (Pilsen) where we got to see and experience the culture and try out our Spanish. I was able to travel on school trips to Mexico and Spain (can’t imagine taking middle-schoolers!). The next year I was chosen to be a Rotary Youth Exchange student to Colombia and after I got back from a year abroad, I was sold. I took some French in college and am currently 176 days into Portuguese on Duolingo.
Give one of your favorite examples of a time where nontraditional methods helped you reach a student who was struggling? Tough question. I had a student that really would not do any work and claimed he hated reading. In conversation though, I discovered he had read all the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books. So, while the rest of the class was doing character analysis, etc. on “Tangerine,” this student and I applied all that to a DWK book. The student didn’t suddenly do all his work, of course, but he was able to apply the skills to his book and produce work that wasn’t likely to happen otherwise. Was it more important that he read the same book as the class or that he could show he understood the concepts?
You have two hours of free time. What do you do? If I’m at home, I make coffee and go sit in our hot tub. In summer, a ride in the MG convertible is always a good way to unwind. Otherwise, you’d probably find me looking at travel websites and planning a trip, whether I take it or not.
Who is your favorite Muppet? I root for Oscar the Grouch. Oscar is different from the other Muppets and yet, he’s accepted. He secretly has done some nice stuff. This was an argument starter in our household as to whether Oscar is a Muppet or not.
What is your favorite thing to eat, and where is your favorite place to get it? Ice cream is my favorite thing to eat. That Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream being right across from Franklin is dangerous! I also love La Michoacana. Get the “Maracuya” (passion fruit). Trust me.
What song, when it comes on the radio, has you singing along? Which one makes you immediately turn the dial? I raised four kids, so really, I just like peace and quiet! However, I like old-school, 70-80s Rock. I have been known to sing along at the top of my lungs to some Pitbull, Queen or Violent Femmes on a good road trip. I don’t care for country music, though.
Many of us take speaking English for granted. What would you say your students struggle with most in learning this language? English is such a confusing mess of a language. How do you explain red/read/read? How can red (the color) be pronounced the same as read (the past-tense verb) yet they are spelled differently? And how on earth can “read” be pronounced differently and mean both past and present tense? It’s all about context, and the best way to learn a language is just to be immersed in it. Idioms are always a challenge to language learners, too. Students struggle with moving from social English to the academic language that is needed to be successful in school and work.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? I would tell my 18-year-old self to take more risks and challenges because sometimes the best parts are when you get off the beaten path. Oh, and wear way more sunscreen.
Position at SDJ: Music Teacher, Van Buren Elementary School (Update: Madarik retired from the district at the end of the 2024-25 school year).
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 28 years
Education: Bachelor's degrees in Education and Music Education from Western Michigan University.
Family: Daughters Annalise and Kallie.
What initially led to your love for music, and when did you know you wanted to become a music teacher? Singing 80s pop songs with my dad in the car really loud. Pitch accuracy was optional. We just loved loudly singing together and having fun. I would have to say that my admiration for my high school band and choir teachers inspired me to choose the path of music education.
If you were not in your current field, what career direction do you think you might have explored? I love being outside! So probably something where I could be enjoying nature. Maybe parks and recreation or something to do with the conservation of natural resources.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My dad was a veterinarian and I worked as his receptionist/vet tech. I learned how to be compassionate towards clients who received bad news about their pet and their bill. I learned about perseverance and diligence as I struggled to balance accounts for the services my dad provided. Math was a challenge for me. I learned that my family worked hard and made many sacrifices for my brothers and me. Most of all, I learned that I was not cut out to follow in my dad’s footsteps and that was an important lesson because I always thought I wanted to be a veterinarian.
Who is your favorite Muppet? 100% Miss Piggy. I love her confidence, her sweet and spicy personality, and she most definitely deserves credit for perfecting the “hair toss.”
Your daughter is a teacher at Harrison Elementary School. How does it make you feel to know that your daughter has followed in your footsteps? I’m very happy for Annalise. When she told me she had decided on education as her major I told her you are going to have a career filled with amazing people. You are lucky, lucky that you see the value in educating these amazing people and working side by side with outstanding educators to better our world. I would be humbled to know that I may have played a small part in her choosing education as her passion. She hasn’t admitted that yet.
Name the one item you own that you could not live without. Well, when I asked my daughter (youngest) what she thought my item would be she said, “Your couch!” I would say at this point it would be my Croc flip-flops. I live in them. It’s all about comfort.
In your opinion, why is music class such an important educational component for elementary school students? Children need to be able to have times during their day where they can have a sense of humanity and community through music. Singing, playing, and creating provide students with the ability to build a sense of community and feel connected to one another. When students feel a sense of belonging and connection, they are willing to take risks in a comfortable yet stimulating environment. That is the powerful magic of music education.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I can sing all 50 states in alphabetical order in approximately 25 seconds. It’s a song. If you know, you know.
Can you name a popular television show you either have never seen an episode of or that you don’t understand why it is popular? I would have to say “Seinfeld.” I can remember friends and family members reliving their favorite parts of that show and laughing so hard that they could barely talk. I don’t know. I just don't get it … literally.
If you could have tickets to any concert featuring any artist (alive or dead), who would you want to see and why? The Bee Gees. They were my teenage crush (I’m old) group. I loved Barry Gibb’s falsetto voice. There is also something so amazing when family members harmonize. Their voices just fit together perfectly.
What makes you grateful? There are too many to list, but since I am an educator, I am going to go with …the people. All of the children I have had the privilege of knowing and their parents who graciously shared their children with me. All of the colleagues that I have known throughout my teaching career. All of my family members live out of state. These colleagues past and present are my family and I am and will always be grateful for their love.
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. I always buy blueberries. It must be comfort food to me as I ate them by the handful as a child growing up. Our family friends owned a blueberry patch and that was our source of entertainment when we spent time with them.
Knowing what you know now, what piece of advice do you wish you could have given to yourself as a first-year teacher? I would tell my first-year teacher self, “You’re doing fine, don’t be so hard on yourself.” During my first year and a few years after that, I was convinced that my lack of experience was going to “damage children.” I wish I would have realized that everyone has to start somewhere and if you love the students more than the content you teach, you are on the right path.
You’re in your car, listening to the radio. What song will get you to sing out loud, and which song will get you to change the station? I’m an 80s kind of person so I will always belt out “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. Even if it’s not a song I love, I don't change the station for music, just news and commercials.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? I want to learn how to train dogs to be service dogs. I know that this would be a challenge because I have been described as soft-hearted and most of my animals are completely spoiled and have no manners. In addition to being challenging it would be so amazing to present someone with a well-trained companion to help with the many challenges of life.
Position at SDJ: Second-Grade Teacher, Roosevelt Elementary School (Update: Halverson retired at the end of the 2025-26 school year).
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 31 years
Education: Bachelor's degrees in Learning Disabilities and Elementary Education, UW-Whitewater; Master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction, National Louis University.
Family: Wife, Jenny; sons Vinny and Jack, and dog, Beau.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? I worked at Mike’s Country Restaurant in Madison. I know, that seems like quite the oxymoron. I washed dishes for the catering part of the business. I learned when you think you’re done with the job, there’s always more (dishes) to do!
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? Learn to fly a Cessna airplane so my trip to the Northwoods would take one hour instead of four.
What is the worst injury you have ever suffered? I’ve been pretty fortunate not to have any broken bones after playing football growing up. I did have a detached retina in 2001 and two surgeries quickly thereafter. Public Service Announcement: If you see any new flashes of light and/or new floaters in your eye, get in to see an ophthalmologist immediately!
In addition to being a grade-school teacher in the School District of Janesville, you have a successful business as a professional photographer. How did you get into photography? I’ve had a fondness for photography my entire life. I really got into it seriously in 2013 when I bought my first DSLR (camera). My former neighbor, who is a professional sports photographer, has been very kind and instrumental in my progression as a photographer over the years.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would travel to Alaska again. My wife and I have been there four times and have just scratched the surface on what we’ve seen. After we were married, we traveled a lot before we had kids. Our favorite moments were taking a flightseeing trip in a small Cessna, landing on a glacier just below Denali in the Alaska range and getting out of the plane and playing in the snow in the middle of summer. Also, going to Brooks Falls and watching brown bears pluck chum salmon out of the air as they tried to jump the falls. Finally, everything about Kodiak Island. I’d go do all three of these things again. It never gets old!
What initially inspired you to become a teacher? My father was in education his entire life. I’ve followed in his footsteps. I was so proud to see what he accomplished.
What movie makes you laugh, even after you’ve seen it several times? “Napoleon Dynamite.” Love that movie. I am also an 80s movie buff.
What is your pet peeve? Fast drivers on the Beltline in Madison.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I can’t cook much, but I make a mean peach cobbler with fresh Georgia peaches from the Tree-Ripe truck. Our entire family loves it.
What type of photography do you most enjoy producing: portrait, sports, nature, something else? I love nature, sports and senior photos – probably in that order. I love shooting high-school sports and Wisconsin football. I’ve had many of my first-graders from Jefferson Elementary, my former school, come back to me and get photos done. That’s always fun.
When you were a young student, what was your favorite subject to study, and why? My favorite teacher was Mrs. Romittee, my fourth-grade teacher in Niagara, Wisconsin. She made us put together a huge “Wisconsin Booklet.” I loved learning about our state.
Name one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. In the summer, it’s definitely Rainier cherries.
Who is your favorite Muppet? Kermit, of course. Grew up with that guy.
What song are you most likely to sing along to, and which one could you go the rest of your life without ever hearing again? I made up a song about the continents. My co-workers always come into my classroom and laugh when they hear it.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 18-year-old self, what would it be? Take risks in life. Sometimes it’s hard to do, but it’s worth it.
Position at SDJ: Choir Director, Edison Middle School
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 6 years
Education: Bachelor's degree in K-12 Choral and General Music Education, UW-Whitewater.
Family: Husband, Terry, and two cats.
What initially led to your love for music, and when did you know you wanted to become a music teacher? I first felt led to become a music teacher in my sophomore year of high school and really made the decision in my junior year. I had some amazing teachers that inspired me to better myself as a musician and made me want to work with and try to inspire students the way they did.
If you were not in your current field, what career direction do you think you might have explored? I think if I weren't a choir teacher, I still would have become a teacher anyway. It was always something I considered, and teaching math was a thought I had during my time growing up and in college.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? The first job I ever had was at Culver's, and it ended up being a place I would work all through high school and college. It was a great experience, and I learned things like time management and communication skills. I also met my best friend and ate way too much custard.
In college, you spent part of one summer touring Italy performing Opera. Describe your experience. This was an incredible experience and one of the many reasons I was so glad I transferred to UW-Whitewater in my sophomore year of college. I got to travel the Italian countryside, live in a small town with amazing people and perform in a comedic opera (Puccini's “Gianni Schicchi”) in several beautiful and historic theaters throughout Italy.
If you could have free tickets to see any performer, who would it be? I would actually love to see John Williams conducting any of his movie scores while the movie plays. I've been to see one of the “Harry Potter” movies while the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra played the score live (amazing!!), and it would be so cool to see this legend conduct the score himself!
Do you have a pet peeve? I feel like I have a million. A serious one is when people don't keep their word, and a silly one is when students move their chairs from the dots on the floor in my room.
What is your all-time favorite food, and where is your absolute favorite place to get it? My favorite food, in general, is pasta. Really any kind. Most years for my birthday, my husband will take me out to a new Italian restaurant because he knows I love it. This past year we went to a place called Naples 15 in Madison, and it was incredible!
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: Meeting my husband, Terry. We lived in different states and met through a mutual friend who introduced us in the summer of 2016. I believe God brought us together, and I couldn't be more thankful!
Name the one item you own that you could not live without. For me, it's my Bible and my wedding ring. I love both of them.
You enjoy travel. Share some of the places you have already been, and if you could visit anywhere in the world for free, where would you choose to go? I have been blessed to be able to do some traveling. So far, I've been to Italy, London and Liverpool, England; Niagara Falls, New York; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Universal Studios in Florida; The Grand Canyon and Flagstaff, Arizona; Nashville; Yellowstone National Park; Corpus Christi and San Antonio, Texas, and most recently, Cancun, Mexico. After typing all that and realizing there's more, I feel REALLY blessed! If I could travel anywhere for free, I'd be going to Scotland. It looks beautiful.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I think people might be surprised to know I'm only really familiar with musicals I've directed. I wasn't a big musical theater person growing up, but I've been enjoying learning more about different shows as I direct more at Edison.
Can you name a popular television show you either have never seen an episode of or that you don’t understand why it is popular? There are a bunch I can think of, but one is “Game of Thrones.” It's one my husband has seen, and I actually really like stories, movies and books about castles and dragons and kingdoms and all of that. But this one I don't get.
You and your husband are in the process of becoming licensed foster parents. What led to you making that decision? We've been trying to have kids for years now, and it looks like it just isn't in the cards for us to have them biologically. But God makes a way, and we have always felt led to have children, so here we go! We're currently in the process of getting that license and are in the baby stages (pun intended) of looking into domestic adoption. Both are messy, hard, beautiful roads, and we look forward to seeing what our future family will look like when we are finally blessed with children of our own.
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Donuts/baked goods are my weakness.
You’re in your car, listening to the radio. What song will get you to sing out loud, and which song will get you to change the station? I sing constantly and to everything. My family can attest to that. There isn't a lot that makes me want to change the station, except maybe a bad cover of an already good song.
Position at SDJ: School Counselor, Madison Elementary School (Update:Jones left Madison Elementary School after the 2024-25 school year to become the Dean of Students at Franklin Middle School).
How Long Have You Worked for SDJ: 6 years
Education: Master’s degrees in Organizational Leadership Administration and School Counseling, both from Concordia University in Mequon.
Family: Daughters Amiyah and Aaliyah, and significant other, Byron.
Can you offer a brief description of what you do for the School District of Janesville? I am the school counselor at Madison Elementary. I work with students in grades Kindergarten through fifth grade. A typical day for me involves classroom guidance lessons, individual sessions with students, collaborating with staff to help better serve our families. When needed, I also help with being the building assistant and manage behaviors.
Before joining SDJ, you were a correctional officer at the Rock County Juvenile Detention Center. What made you decide to change course? I needed a change. I wanted to be a change-maker with students and families, and I knew that doing that took time. Most youth at the detention center were there for sanctions (10 days) and while there we had conversations about ways to move forward, but I knew that was not enough.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? My first job was at the YMCA after-school program. I was an assistant child care teacher. I learned patience! I worked with elementary age students after school and provided homework help, snacks and general care until their adult picked them up. I was 17 and at the time was in the Child Care Co-op program at my high school. Patience is and was key when working with students after school who most of the time did not want to be there.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? If I could learn to do one thing, I would learn to speak and write in another language.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would go to Shark Bay, Australia. My favorite animal is a shark, and Shark Bay has a huge variety of sharks living there. I would love to see how sharks and orcas interact with each other in their natural habitat.
Talk a little bit about your fascination with shoes. My fascination with shoes started when I was a young child. I played basketball, and Michael Jordan had the best shoes at the time. Whenever he released shoes,
my parents made sure that I would get the pairs I truly wanted. At the time, I did not know that they would mean something and be worth as much as they are until I got older. Getting retro Jordans used to be so easy. I could go to a shoe store any day, anytime and get whatever shoe had recently been released. Now, it is a whole process. You have to enter drafts, use points and hope that you are selected. Once I saw that there was a shoe resell market I really became even more fascinated with shoes. Yeezys, Nike Dunks and Retro Jordans can resell for three times the price depending on the shoe and size.
Your job requires a lot of positivity, which can be draining. What methods do you use to maintain a positive perspective for students while maintaining your sanity. Remaining positive and smiling is truly my go-to. I know that everyone goes through something, and if I can be the person who helps them make it through, I did my job. I am also quite honest. When students are upset and feeling down about something relatable, I share that I know exactly how they are feeling.
When it comes to television, what shows are you most likely to binge and which ones will you avoid at all costs? As crazy as it may sound, I enjoy binge watching true crime/serial killers documentaries. It is probably the counselor in me trying to see what part in their life helped them get to that decision. I will not watch any scary movies.
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: As simple as it sounds, being able to spend time with my siblings since our father passed has been some of the most amazing moments.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I think people would be surprised to know that I still watch WWE wrestling. I have been a fan since I can remember. Monday Night RAW and Friday Night Smackdown are two shows I must watch.
The very best part of my job is: The very best part of my job is building relationships with my co-workers, students and their families. Getting to know the likes and dislikes of my co-workers has been quite interesting but necessary to have a positive work environment. Relationship-building is also very key when working with my students and families. I like to call myself the bridge that brings families and teaching staff together.
Share an example of a time where nontraditional methods helped you reach a student who was struggling. There was a time a student was extremely upset and stated they wanted to go home. During this time, it had been almost impossible for the student to calm down and at this time the student mentioned they wanted to go home. Without any hesitation, I said, “I do, too. Can you call my mom and tell her to come get me?” The student started laughing and said that was the first time they heard an adult say they wanted to call their mom. After that, the student and I were able to have a conversation about how adults have the same feelings as students.
When you were a young student, what was your favorite subject to study? My favorite subjects to study were ELA and history. I enjoyed writing and reading and different parts of the world. My fourth- and fifth-grade teacher allowed me to be her teacher assistant, and my job was to write on the whiteboard.
Name something you’re incredibly proud of and something you regret. I am incredibly proud of myself for completing school. I did not attend college the traditional way. Working full-time and being a parent full-time had its ups and downs, but I pushed through. I do regret not going to school for teaching like I initially wanted to as a child.
Share a piece of advice that has stuck with you. Who did it come from, and why did it stick? You cannot pour from an empty cup. In order to be there for others, you have to take care of yourself. It is OK to put you first. My mom has always told these statements to me when things got hard or I got too hard on myself. I have found myself telling others these same exact statements hoping they will be encouraged to keep pushing through.
Position: Music Teacher, Monroe Elementary School.
Tenure with SDJ: 25.5 years.
Education: Bachelor's degree, Music Education, UW-Whitewater; Master's degree, Interdisciplinary Studies, National Louis University.
Family: Wife, Heather; sons Cole and Dayne; granddaughter, Nevaeh.
What initially led to your love for music, and when did you know you wanted to become a music teacher? I started taking piano lessons at the
age of 5. My mother was my piano teacher, and all six of my siblings play. I knew I wanted to be a music teacher when I was in high school. I was very involved in the music department where I grew up and had some great influences through the years.
If you were not in your current field, what career direction do you think you might have explored? I have always been an athletic guy, so probably something dealing with sports. I used to enjoy kicking field goals and could consistently make them from 40 yards.
What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it? I started delivering papers at the age of 9 with my older sister. She would pay me a nickel a paper which back then almost bought me a pack of Topps football cards. I learned getting up at 5:30 a.m. to deliver papers isn't worth a nickel a paper.
Among your many hobbies is woodworking. What are some of the items you’ve made, and what is it about this pastime that you enjoy? I love woodworking because you start with nothing and end up with something very unique. No two things are ever the same. I have made several tables including spinning the pedestal on a lathe. My favorite thing to do now is creating things out of trees that I trim around our property (chairs, planters, broomsticks, etc.).
In addition to woodworking, your interests include golf/disc golf, bicycling and running. Are you competitive, or do you partake in these activities simply for fun and health benefits? I am very competitive. This is what happens when you are the middle child in a family of seven siblings. The dinner table is probably where my competitive nature began. I started running when I was in my late 20s. I have two younger brothers who were runners, and they challenged me to compete in some races with them. I, of course, took the challenge on and lost for about the first 10 races. By the time I was in my third or fourth year of running, I was not only beating them, but I won a lot of road races. My favorite win was the Cheese Days Chase (in Monroe), which is a 5k and has around 1,000 runners competing. I won the whole race with a time of 17:26. My parents were there cheering me on, and I was able to cheer on my younger brothers as they finished … a minute or two behind me!
Back in 2013, you and your siblings released a Christmas music album. What sparked that idea, have you released any since or have you considered another one? My family is very musical. All of us play piano, and most of us play two or more other instruments. We grew up playing together for a Christmas mass at St. Victor's church in Monroe. We did this for more than 20 years. Along the way, we had people ask if we would record an album so they could enjoy the music year round. We produced a cassette tape around the year 2000 and then recorded the CD in 2013. It never went platinum, but I think we sold around 10,000 copies.
Share a musical instrument you can’t currently play but would like to learn, and why? I have never played a hammer dulcimer. It has a cool sound and is similar to a keyboard in some ways. I think this would be a fun new instrument to pursue.
Name the one item you own that you could not live without. Running shoes. I spend a lot of money on running shoes but without them, I couldn't do one of the things that keeps me sane. At the end of my day, strapping on those shoes and pounding the pavement is pretty special. In 2019, I had back surgery and was told my running days might be over. By the grace of God, I was running again six months later. The doctor gave me the thumbs up and told me my recovery was miraculous. I am thankful every day I can get out on the trails.
In your opinion, why is music class such an important educational component for elementary school students? Music is one of the most important facets in our lives. It surrounds everything we do. Imagine watching a movie with no music or driving down the road in silence. For those of us who play an instrument, music is something that calms, soothes and provides emotion in a way nothing else can. I am honored to share my passion with the students I interact with every day.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. Remember my competitive brothers? Before we started running races, we lifted weights together. When I was 25, I weighed 210 pounds and could bench press 315 pounds. Probably part of the reason I needed to have back surgery in 2019!
Can you name a popular television show you either have never seen an episode of or that you don’t understand why it is popular? I never got into the “Twilight” saga. It all seemed a little far-fetched in my opinion. I am also not a blood guy. Some of my co-workers could tell you how I react around blood.
You proposed to your wife on “The Montel Williams Show.” Share the story of how that came to be. I wrote in to the show explaining I wrote a song for Heather and wanted to propose to her on the show. They responded back within a couple of weeks and asked me to send in a copy of the song. About a month later, I received a call from the producer and was told it would be on the Valentine's Day episode. They flew us out and put us up in a fabulous hotel on 5th Avenue in NYC. I told Heather we won tickets to the show just to be in the audience. She did not know what was coming. I was sooooo nervous. About half-way through the show, Montel came over to us, and the song started to play. He handed me the microphone, and I sang to her right there and proposed afterwards. She said “YES!”
What is the best piece of advice you have received as it pertains to teaching, and who did it come from? Probably from my mom. She always told me that you get what you give. If you put forth the effort, the results will be the reward. That is true with so many things … teaching included.
You’re in your car, listening to the radio. What song will get you to sing out loud, and which song will get you to change the station? A good-old classic hair band song can get me to sing in the car. This is the music I played when I played in bands growing up, so it has some memories.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? The one thing I would love to be able to do is to fly. I know this is far-fetched, but when I wake up from a dream where I was able to fly, all I want to do is fall back asleep so the dream can continue and I can soar like an eagle.
Position: Director of Benefits and Wellness, Educational Services Center. (Update: Johnson left the School District of Janesville in 2023 to become superintendent in the Hartland-Lakeside School District).
Hometown: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Music Education/Vocal Performance, Wartburg College; Master's degree in Educational Leadership, St. Xavier University; Principal licensure, Aurora University; District Administrator licensure (pending), Concordia University.
Family: Daughter, Kayla; son, Carter.
Share something you find rewarding and something you find frustrating about your position. What is rewarding is that I work with some really incredible people who make me look forward to work every day. What is frustrating is that there is never enough time in the day.
What was the very first job you ever had? I was a summer custodian at my high school, changing locks, running the floor scrubber and Bondo-ing a window are among my favorite memories.
You have two hours of free time. What do you do? Lace up and go for a run or hike. Nature and movement are my go-tos!
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? Crochet. My great-grandmother, grandmother and mother all crochet blankets.
What was your favorite subject in school? Music is the right answer, but truly, I had some great teachers in a variety of subject areas. Those were my favorite classes.
You have a background in vocal performance. Share some highlights from your singing career. I am trained in Opera. I am thankful for the numerous opportunities singing gave me to see the world. My favorite European memories are Eisenach, Germany – singing at the castle; Coventry Cathedral, England; Luxembourg; Prague and Munich, Germany. In the States: Carnegie Hall and Disney. Most recently, and as often as time allows, you can find me performing with The Lakeland Players (a live arts group based in Elkhorn).
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Avocados. I eat 4-5 per week.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Ireland.
Who is your favorite Muppet? I don’t know if he was my favorite, but I remember having a stuffed Fozzie Bear as a child.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I LOVE tent camping in the woods.
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: I got to play my trumpet with Wynton Marsalis, who taught me a lesson on circular breathing.
If you could share the stage with one performer, who would it be and why? Barbra. Enough said.
Name one person from history you would most like to meet. Doris Day, for sure. She was an icon in our household growing up.
If you weren’t working in your current field, what do you think you would be doing as a career? Touring the world as a motivational speaker.
Share a quote that inspires you. "If I’m not part of the solution, I am part of the problem."
Education: Bachelor's degree, Secondary Education. Mathematics, UW-Madison; Master's degree, Curriculum and Instruction, UW-Whitewater; Alternative Education Certification, UW-Milwaukee.
Family: Wife, Dawn; daughter, Kylee; son, Keegan; dogs, Jackson and Bella.
Can you offer a brief description of what you do for the School District of Janesville? I am a math
teacher at Janesville Parker High School. I have taught Algebra I and II, Geometry and Math for the Trades through the years. I am also an assistant coach for football and baseball at Parker.
Share something you find rewarding and something you find frustrating about being a teacher. It is rewarding as a teacher when you see students who struggle with learning finally see the light bulb go on and they “get it.” They are so excited. One of my most frustrating moments in teaching is when a student will not even try to learn a concept. They make comments like, “I will never understand it anyway.” I personally don’t believe that. I think we all can understand math with the right support and lots of effort.
What was the very first job you ever had? I worked on a farm when I was 14 years old. I would have to bike there, about 5 miles away. They put me on a tractor in a field by myself raking hay within the first week of working there with no experience. The most memorable experience was cleaning out the calf pens with a pitchfork on hot summer days.
You have two hours of free time. What do you do? If I have two hours of free time, I am most likely doing something around my house. I enjoy being outside and working on things in my yard.
Share the last good book you read or the last good film/TV show you watched? I really loved the show “Person of Interest.” It’s about a CIA agent, thought to be dead, and a computer programmer who work together to try and prevent upcoming crimes either to the victim or the perpetrator. They do not know whose "number" they are getting or whether or not they are the victim or perpetrator.
What was your favorite subject in school? Math was my favorite subject. Numbers made sense to me. I knew I wanted to do something in the math field.
You played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers. What position did you play, and what was the highlight of your college sports career? I was a walk-on punter. I had the opportunity to letter twice, was a two-time Academic All-Big Tenwhile at Madison and had the opportunity to play at the "Horseshoe" of Ohio State. That was exciting playing in front of 90,000+ fans and a national TV audience. Also, I earned a one-year scholarship my junior year. I really enjoyed the opportunity of being able to compete, travel and get to know players from different parts of our country. I enjoyed and feel grateful for having had the chance to compete at a major Division 1 university. I also had the opportunity to be a part of both Big Ten and Rose Bowl championship teams.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? I think it would be to become a financial planner. The numbers just make sense to me, and it would be exciting to try and find the next big company.
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. I definitely like to stop at the deli and bakery at the grocery store. I like my meats, breads and cheeses.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? There are still so many places in the United States that I have not been to, so I want to make sure I can see some of these places. I still want to see the Grand Canyon, the Black Hills and some other places out west.
Who is your favorite Muppet? Probably Cookie Monster. I always love a good cookie!
Before moving over to Parker, you taught at TAGOS Leadership Academy in the district. How are the challenges different between teaching in a comprehensive classroom as opposed to a project-based learning setting? In the PBL setting, we were definitely looking more at the process of learning, expanding and deepening student understanding. Also, the students had input into what they wanted to learn, to a certain
extent.
In the past, you’ve donated your hair to charity. What is is about doing this that speaks to you? I have donated my hair twice. First, I donated to Pantene Beautiful Locks. My second time, I donated to Wigs for Kids. I wanted to make sure the people receiving the wigs would not have to pay for them, because with some of the organizations, they do. Also, Pantene Beautiful Locks, at the time, took hair donations of 8-10 inches, so I did not have to grow my hair as long. They stopped taking hair donations before I could donate a second time. Wigs for Kids requires 12-plus inches. I learned from the thank you letter that I got that it takes about seven hair donations to make one wig. It is amazing that they are able to take multiple peoples' hair donations and put them together to make wigs. I decided to donate my hair when some of my family members were diagnosed with cancer, and I know that it runs through both sides of my family. I look at it as a reminder to me every day about my family members.
Name one person from history you would most like to meet. I would have liked to meet (former UCLA basketball coach) John Wooden. It was amazing what he did at UCLA and how he could inspire those young adults. He was so successful for an extended period of time, and he always cared about every little detail.
If you weren’t teaching, what do you think you would be doing as a career? I think I would have enjoyed doing landscape architecture. I enjoy being outside and doing manual labor. Our family has done all of our own landscaping around our house. We have always made it a family affair. It is a great way to spend time with your family.
Education: Bachelor's degree in elementary/middle school science from UW-Whitewater, Master's degree in curriculum and instruction, National Louis University.
Family: Wife, Casie, and daughters Lexie and Kylie.
Over the summer, you work part-time at Firestone Complete Auto Care in Janesville. Is car maintenance/repair something you’ve always been interested in, or are you just keeping busy in your down time? I have always loved machines and cars. I started my career as a mechanic in 1986 when all of my friends moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, as the local General Motors plant was threatening closure. I would fix everything from lawn mowers to motorcycles to keep myself busy during the summer. My dad has a 1965 Corvette Stingray that I helped him rebuild the motor in back in 1983 (still runs great). It is a skill that comes naturally to me which is why I still work on cars professionally to this day.
If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be doing for a living? I would manage a Firestone store. I like working with people and seeing immediate results.
Share something you find rewarding about your job as a teacher. The most rewarding part of my job is watching students overcome struggles in life. There is no substitute for experience, and the best things in life are the ones we work hardest at.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your younger self? I would tell myself that saying “no” is okay. I spent too much of my life doing major tasks for other people and neglecting what I needed done. It’s great to help others as long as your own needs are not left in the parking lot. Find a balance!
Would you consider yourself an early bird or a night owl? I am an early bird, waking up to go running at 4:30 a.m. This is a great time to go running, and it burns a lot of energy that could be used for negativity later in the day. I find that if there is a day where I did not run for some reason, I get frustrated much easier. On the flip side, I am usually asleep by 8:30-9 p.m. every night.
Who is your favorite Muppet? I like the Swedish Chef because he is always throwing pots and pans around. Life is always throwing things at me, and I’ve realized I control nothing. Realizing that makes it a lot more fun.
People would be surprised to find out that I: Don’t watch or like professional sports. I find it to be a waste of time and have learned a great many skills instead of sitting in front of a TV with a bag of chips.
You graduated from Parker High School, where you were active in athletics. What was the highlight of your sports career? I was the first male athlete to earn 12 varsity letters, competing in cross country, swimming and track and field during my four years at Parker. I never had a junior varsity event and competed at the state level in swimming and cross country. To my knowledge, earning 12 varsity letters has only been done once since I graduated 30 years ago.
When you were a student, what were your favorite and least favorite subjects? My favorite class was auto mechanics, as I love to fix broken cars. My teacher in high school (Dick Heshelman) allowed me to work on teachers’ cars that were broken, so I learned a lot by doing that and was able to get a job at Firestone right out of high school with that experience. My least favorite class was usually math because we never applied anything we learned. I learned math through construction and machining and found it to be a really useful skill.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would love to go to Switzerland to see watches being made. Our world is filled with so many poorly made items that break in a short amount of time. Some Swiss watches will last a hundred years when properly serviced and maintained. Plus, I hear they have really great beer.
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Beef jerky. If you don’t have it in your cart, your cart is basically worthless.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I would love to do surgery. It would be nice to help people, and it also pays a lot more than teaching.
What was the first job you ever had? My first job was delivering papers for The Messenger and The Janesville Gazette. I was about 70 pounds but was able to deliver papers in all weather conditions, and I was fast enough to outrun all the angry dogs along the route. It’s amazing what little sense of humor a dog has when you come to collect $2 from its owner.
Share a few things you’ve learned since your first year in the district that have helped you improve as a teacher. I have learned that kids come from all walks of life, and sometimes they just need a friend to make their day better. Experience has taught me that they remember life lessons rather than content. I have had a lot of kids thank me for keeping them on the straight and narrow years after they were at Edison. I’ve never had a former student thank me for teaching them the migratory patterns of the loggerhead turtle.
You’re flipping through channels on the TV. What will get you to stop regardless of how much of the show you’ve missed? “The Blues Brothers” is one of my all-time favorite movies. I don’t watch TV, but if that movie is ever on, I stop what I’m doing to go “on a mission from God.” There is nothing funnier than watching that 1974 Dodge Monaco (the “Bluesmobile”) outrun everything on its way to pay the taxes for the church school. Just watch out for the penguin!
Education: Midwest Christian Academy (1994). I have been considering the possibility of furthering my education. I am always up for a new challenge.
Family: Husband, Shane (also an SDJ employee, and five kids: Ariel (SDJ employee), Michael, Lucas, Jenna and Ethan. Also, a very spoiled cat, Doris.
In your experience, what are the most popular and least popular lunch options for students at Kennedy Elementary? I would have to say our most favored lunch choice by far is the orange chicken. Pizza crunchers, when available, run a close second. And hot ham and cheese has gained some popularity thanks to Miss Angela’s special technique for making them!
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I thought about this for a long time. I guess I am either pretty boring or too much of an open book. Either way, I am not full of surprises.
You have two hours of free time. What do you do? I’m addicted to Candy Crush! If I can steal an hour alone, I love to zone out and play that.
What song are you most likely to sing along to if nobody else is listening? That’s easy, anything by Adele!
If you weren’t the lunch hostess at Kennedy Elementary, what do you think you would be doing for a profession? Professional gambling sounds fun, but more than likely something like helping families with loved ones who are suffering from active addiction.
What were your favorite and least favorite subjects in school? All of them. I was a terrible student, and I didn't like school. Sad, right? I am sure I would have greatly benefited from some of the amazing things that are in place today to help students thrive. I definitely have a soft spot for kids who struggle in school.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? I regret not following through with piano lessons as a kid. I think to be able to captivate people with your ability to play an instrument would be pretty amazing. I do however play a mean Amazon Music playlist! I love to be the D.J. at any family gathering … when they let me.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I think Dubai would be a cool experience.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? What is the greatest challenge you face? By far, the most rewarding part of my job is that I literally get to spend 3-5 seconds a day with more than 200 students as they come through the lunch line. We spend these seconds every day saying things like, “Hi, I like your outfit” or “Cool haircut, dude.” There is sometimes a hug and always a smile, and the fact that I know their name. Yes, I know every single kiddo’s name in the lunch line. I'm proud of that. The point is, I try to make them feel special with the little bit of time I have. It's like an affirmation, good vibe drive-thru, and something I look forward to doing every day. The greatest challenge would be supply issues. Kids look forward to particular menu items that we just might not be able to get, and we never like to disappoint. Not orange chicken, though. We have plenty that … for now.
What is the one dish students ask for that you wish you could get for them but can’t? Attention … and cookies!
What was the very first job you ever had? What did it entail? Oh, boy. At 13, I begged my parents to let me take a paper route. The 5 a.m. deliveries in the cold and rain soon proved to be too much. It didn't last very long.
If you could have the answer to any one question, what would that question be? What are the winning powerball numbers!
Do you enjoy cooking outside of work, or is dealing with food on the job enough for you? My husband does 95% of the cooking! He loves to cook and yes, after all day in the kitchen, the last thing I want to think about is meal planning or cooking. So this works out well! He surprises me every night with something yummy … and sometimes with fancy cocktails, too!
Knowing what you know now, share the one piece of advice you would like to give your younger self. Romans 8:28:” And we know that all things work together for good to those that love God.” So, basically, chill. It all works out. Just love Jesus.
In your opinion, why is student nutrition so important? It’s pretty simple: When you are not hungry and your body is properly nourished, you perform better. We live in a food-rich county with a 40% waste ratio. The thought that any student within our school district goes without a meal is unfathomable to me. SDJ and our community can rest assured we have the most amazing school nutrition team there is! From the kitchens to the ESC, the priority is our kids and that their nutritional needs are being met. I want to give Liz (Leedle, SDJ school nutrition manager ), Megan (Martin, district school nutrition purchasing manager ) and Monica (Burkheimer, district operations manager for nutrition) a huge shout out for running an amazing program I am proud to work for. Together we support our principles, teachers and staff by making sure that no matter what behaviors or academic challenges arise, it will never be because our kids are hungry. This is very important to myself and our whole team! It’s a fundamental, right … food, water, shelter? No child should ever be denied a meal. Feeding is a show of love, and that’s why school nutrition isn’t just about “hot lunch” to me. It means so much more.
Education: Bachelor of Science, African-American Studies, University of Minnesota, with minors in Public Health and Family Social Science. Teacher certification from Concordia University. Master's degrees in Education (Curriculum & Instruction) and Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis, UW-Madison.
Awards & Honors: Scholar athlete, University of Minnesota (2003-05); Academic All-Big Ten selection and National Dean's List honoree (2004-05); Member of Big Ten and National Championship Wrestling Team at University of Minnesota and two-time letterwinner (2006-07); Janesville Multicultural Teacher Scholarship recipient (2009-10); Contestant on American Ninja Warrior (2015); Accepted Black History Month Resolution (2022); City of Janesville Public Safety Volunteer of the Year recipient (2022).
Family: Wife, Trina. Children: Kyira Romero, Keaton Romero, Kenza Jackson and Krimson Jackson.
You have two hours of free time. What do you do? If I had two hours of free time, I would go on a long,
scenic bike ride across the city. I love bike trails and grew up riding my bike all over the city. It’s my happy place. Here’s a fun fact: I still ride the bike my father bought me when I was 13 years old. I guess I have not grown much taller since then LOL!
What was the first job you ever had? What did you learn from it? The first real job I had was working at UPS in college. I worked the night shift and rode my bike for roughly 30 minutes to get there. I learned two main things: 1. Minnesota winters provide horrible conditions ride a bike in and, 2. People ship some pretty bizarre things. For instance, while working my shift one night, a package fell to the floor and busted open. To my surprise and horror, several Guinea pigs fell out. Thankfully, they were dead. If I remember correctly, the boxes of Guinea pigs were being shipped for some lab research.
You have aspirations of someday becoming a competitive eater. What is your motivation behind that? When I was younger, I thought if I ate more, I would grow taller. I didn’t grow taller but developed a sincere love for food. In college, I ate at least five meals daily with all the essentials – mostly pasta and pizza. Thankfully, I had an unlimited meal plan and could eat as often and as much as I wanted. That said, I found that I could eat an extraordinary amount of food, and one day would like to test my skills on the big stage as a competitive eater. I’m considering going to local restaurants and engaging in local food challenges to get started.
Who is your favorite cartoon character? Wolverine was always my favorite character growing up. I loved watching the X-Men, but I adored Wolverine because he was indestructible.
In 2015, you competed in “American Ninja Warrior” in Kansas City. What made you decide to take on that challenge, how did you do, and how did you train for competition? I was the head coach for the Parker wrestling team then, and after one practice, I delivered a speech about accountability. I told my wrestlers that “actions speak louder than words.” That night, I went home and my wife had “American Ninja Warrior” on. I hadn’t previously seen the show but was impressed by the athleticism of the competitors. The more I watched, the more I believed I could take on the challenges. I then turned into a sofa expert. At that moment, all I could hear in my head were the very words I told my wrestlers – “Actions speak louder than words.” Over the next few days, I completed the application and submitted it for consideration. Two weeks later, I received a call inviting me to Kansas City to compete in the show. Regarding how I did, I was eliminated from the second obstacle.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? I would learn how to swim. I failed to swim in high school and just haven’t been able to perfect the skill. In all transparency, I am a bit fearful of water. I attribute my fear to a tragic event where I almost drowned when I was about 12 years old. My 8-year-old twins love swimming, and I would like to know how so I can confidently engage in the watersports they love.
What was your favorite subject in school? Social Studies was always my favorite subject in school. I appreciate the sacrifices of our ancestors in their quest to ensure “Liberty and Justice for All!”
You were a participant in the Janesville Multicultural Teacher Scholarship program. What is your impression of the program and what impact has had on your career? The program was transformational in my life. If it weren’t for the scholarship, I wouldn’t have become an educator. Furthermore, the program is instrumental in recruiting diverse applicants for various positions within the School District of Janesville. I wholeheartedly support the efforts of the scholarship program, especially now that the raised funds are dispersed to help recipients seeking counseling and administrative careers in addition to classroom teachers.
Who is the person in history you would most like to meet? I would have loved to have met Maya Angelou. I want to sit for hours, listen to her poetry and soak up all of her wisdom.
What made you decide you wanted to be a school administrator? What career field did you initially plan to pursue? I wanted to expand my scope to impact students positively. I am a systems guy and love implementing progressive ways to ensure the success of students and staff. I initially began my undergraduate career seeking to become a dentist.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Alaska has always been on my bucket list. I want to see an Alaskan moose up close.
You attended school in Janesville, K-12. What is it like to come back and serve the district as an administrator? It’s a dream come true! I love the school district, and I love the community. I am now raising my children in this community and plan to retire here. Moreover, I am proud to work for such a progressive district that strives to meet the needs of every learner.
You were a collegiate wrestler at the University of Minnesota, and you have coached at the youth, high school and collegiate level. How did you first get into wrestling, and what is it about the sport that appeals to you? I started wrestling when I was in seventh grade. My older brother encouraged me to go out for the sport, and I had immediate success winning my very first tournament. I love how hard wrestlers train and that any body type can wrestle and find success in the sport. You have to discover your strengths and capitalize on them!
Middle school is a time when students face a lot of changes, not only educationally but physically and personally. As an administrator, how do you help them maneuver through these challenges and find success? We evaluate the needs of each student and then put appropriate support in place to facilitate growth. We also develop alliances with parents and guardians to ensure fidelity in our efforts to support the students. On the school end of the support, we have an outstanding Student Services team this year, with the addition of a full-time social worker, an attendance advocate and a Be Great graduate coach.
If you could provide one opportunity to every student in the School District of Janesville, what would that be? I want to create an opportunity for each student – no matter race, religion, sexual orientation, social or economic status – within their K-12 experience while attending the School District of Janesville. That begins with the unwavering staff belief that all students can learn and will learn because of what we do!
What was the very first job you had? What did you do, and where? My first job was at Mr. Steak on Milton
Avenue in Janesville. I worked there in high school as a hostess. Mr. Steak was located where Fuji Steakhouse is now.
You’re in your car, listening to the radio. Which song makes you turn the volume up, and which song makes you turn the radio off? Turn it up: “Ain’t it Fun”by Paramore, “Don't Stop Believing” by Journey or “Dirt on My Boots” by Jon Pardi. Turn it off: Any rap music.
Share a piece of advice you wish you could give to your younger self. I would tell my younger self to take risks and be adventurous. Take time to travel and see the world.
What are you most proud of when looking back on your career as an educator? My influence and impact on students’ lives over the past 33 years. I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful students and to work with some great educators.
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Coffee and creamer go into my grocery cart whether I need them or not because they are non-negotiables every morning.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would like to travel to Italy. Both of my children have traveled there and shared pictures and their experiences. I would like to experience the culture, landscapes and amazing restaurants.
Who was your favorite teacher from when you were a student? Where did he/she teach, and what about them set them apart? My favorite teacher was my first-grade teacher at Footville Elementary School, Mrs. Carpenter. She developed my love for reading and literature. She was a kind and nurturing teacher who made learning fun.
Share a word you have a hard time spelling correctly. Receive. I always have to go over the “i before e except after c” rule in my head before I write it.
Share one of the most rewarding aspects of your job as a teacher and one of the most challenging aspects. One of the most rewarding aspects has been building relationships with students and watching them achieve success. The most challenging aspect is being able to meet the needs of all students in the time I have with them.
What was your favorite subject in school? English literature. Reading has always been a passion for me, and it has transferred to my classroom. I love it when students get excited about new books and authors.
If you hadn’t become a teacher, what career do you think you would have pursued, and why? I would have been a dermatologist. I have always been interested in promoting healthy skincare.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? I would like to learn to play the piano because music has always been an important part of my life.
Share the last good book you read or the last good film/TV show you watched? I love the “Yellowstone” series. Montana is beautiful, and the rural element reminds me of my upbringing. I am a huge James Patterson fan, so I’ve read all of his books.
You have two hours of free time. What do you do? I like to take long walks in the country, spend time with my family or binge-watch something on Netflix.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I grew up on a farm in rural Janesville. From age 9-18, I showed beef cattle all over the Midwest, and I was the Rock County “Fairest of the Fair” in 1985.
Position: Teacher (Social Sciences, History, English) and Critical Issues Forum advisor, Rock University High School.
Hometown: Janesville, Wisconsin.
Education: Adams Elementary School, Franklin Middle School and Parker High School; Bachelor’s degree in Broadfield Social Science and Education with minors in History and Spanish, UW-Stevens Point; Alternative Education Certificate, UW-Milwaukee; Master’s degree, Education in Social Sciences with emphasis in Sociology and Psychology, American College of Education.
Awards and Honors: Rock University High School Start Award (2017).
Family: Gloria Smithback (grandma), Rhonda Suda (mom), Tim and Connie Jensen (dad and stepmom); Samantha Jensen (sister) and nephew Flynn Jensen (fifth-grader in SDJ); Brothers Jameson Suda, Austin Jensen and Lucas Suda (senior at Parker High). Partner Mason Lyttle. Cat named Rigby. Dog named Bosco.
If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be doing for a living? Law has always interested me but being a
lawyer, specifically civil rights or labor rights, has been a more recent career interest. I also love animals and think I'd be a good dog groomer or trainer, maybe in retirement!
You swam in high school and now coach. What first prompted you to get into the water? I was an athletic kid and tried just about anything I could! I excelled in swim lessons and just loved being in the water. I was able to join the Franklin Falcons swim team and have loved the sport since. I had a great high school career and wanted to continue swimming in college, but shoulder injuries made me realize it probably wasn't best for me to "keep swimming" (sorry, Dory). After college graduation, I returned to Janesville and long-term subbed for my former coach, Andrea Nickel. She heard that our local swim club team, which at the time was run by Parker Boys Coach Eric Rhodes, needed some help, and she sent him my info. I started a coaching club, then became Parker Girls swim assistant coach. Coaching re-lit my love of the sport after many years of not being in it.
You are an advisor for Rock University High School’s Critical Issues Forum (CIF) program. Can you offer a BRIEF idea of what this program is? The Critical Issues Forum (CIF) is a project-based educational program facilitated by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California. The CIF program is designed to promote awareness of peace, nonproliferation, and disarmament of nuclear weapons and critical thinking skills among high school students from around the world, including the United States, Japan, and Russia, through educational outreach activities. CIF develops appreciation and understanding of different national and cultural perspectives on complex but vital international security issues. RUHS is the only school in the midwest for over a decade to participate. We had the honor of being the first spotlight school this year!https://sites.miis.edu/criticalissuesforum/cif-school-spotlight-rock-university-high-school-usa/
What was the first job you ever had? I was a babysitter for friends and family, but my first "real" job was at Taco Johns. At 15, I was one of the original staff of the restaurant. I was a cashier and prep cook. I won
employee of the month! I worked there for about a year and a half.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be and why? I would love to learn to dance. I know it is difficult, but dancers make it look so effortless! You can be fierce and elegant. It seems like something that can uplift you spiritually, mentally, and physically.
When you were a student, what were your favorite and least favorite subjects? I loved Social Studies, English, Art, and Phy Ed. I loved classes where I had an opportunity to learn about different people and hear/read stories. I also enjoyed any opportunity to express myself and be active. Science courses were tough, especially Chemistry and AP Biology, but I really liked Anatomy & Physiology and Forensic Science. Math was probably my least favorite subject; geometry, in particular, was a hard class for me. Proofs still haunt me ...
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Oooh...this one is hard. I studied Spanish all through college and had opportunities to learn in Cuba and Argentina, so I would love to head back to Latin America and the Caribbean.
You enjoy reading. What types of books do you tend to seek out, and share a title or two that you’ve found particularly interesting. I do like to read just about anything. Fiction or non, I'm usually up for whatever! I love complex characters and interesting settings; I love learning new things and about different people. Once I start a book, I tend to finish it even if it is terrible. I dislike Joseph Conrad with an intense passion (a rant for another day). Currently re-reading "There, There" by first nation author Tommy Orange. I'm teaching the novel this year in conjunction with UW-Madison, and it is my favorite text Great World Text has chosen in a while. It tells the story of 12 strangers who share a first nation ancestry and are all trying to get to a pow-wow in Oakland, California. Each character shares their story. We learn of dislocation, trauma, and loss but see hope and cheer for triumph! The most interesting book I read this summer is Little by Edward Carry. It is the historic but fictitious telling of the life of Madame Tussaud. Though very dark and incredibly sad, our protagonist ascends, and her work lives on for centuries!
People would be surprised to find out that I: I love visual art, and I draw. Mostly pencil (black/white and color), and I am pretty good at it!
Share something you find rewarding and something you find frustrating about your job. I have the utmost confidence in the younger generations. Every day I am excited to see my students and experience their learning, and, honestly, learn from them. I get to help young people learn while learning myself; it's a wonderful thing. I think one of the most frustrating things about education is that it has become a scapegoat for society's ills. When and where our country, states, or communities fail, education is there and expected to fix it. Yet, this high expectation can come with little support. It is tiring at times and makes you feel like you aren't doing enough. And anyone who cares for young people has young people in their life can attest that disappointing them or feeling like you let them down is heartbreaking.
Who is your favorite Muppet? Miss Piggy. She is unapologetically herself and teaches us all to accept one another for who we are. She is not afraid to be loud and take up space. She is strong. She eats what she wants, wears what she wants, and encourages us all to do the same. She knows she is destined for greatness and works hard to reach her dreams. She also has no time for rudeness or disrespect.
Would you consider yourself an early bird or a night owl? I love the mornings, whether a workday or weekend. I am most productive in the morning. I enjoy getting as much time out of my days as I can! Being an early bird was key to successfully earning my master's and balancing multiple jobs these past few years!
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your younger self? I would tell myself that your body is the least interesting thing about you and to be kind to yourself. We are socialized to fit unrealistic molds regarding what we look like and to take up the least amount of space. Forget that! We are also taught to treat others with kindness but not so much with ourselves. Overall, I think we are never too old to look at how
we treat/ have treated ourselves and see that we can be kinder.
Name a food you could eat for a week straight. Ice cream. Endless amount of flavors. A simple and effortless snack or dessert. It can be eaten in many forms--dish, cone, shake, cake! And some of the best ice cream is made in Wisconsin!
What are you most afraid of? I am very afraid of the dark. Not a fan of not knowing what is going on or what is around me. Probably a deeper fear of the unknown. So, I make good use of the flashlight on my phone!
Education: Bachelor's degree, Psychology, University of Pennsylvania-Lock Haven; Master's degree, Education, Penn State University; Master's degree, Educational Leadership, Cardinal Stritch University.
Family: Husband, Keith; son, Sawyer; daughter, Harper; two dogs, cats, chickens, goats and ducks.
Can you offer a brief description of what you do for the School District of Janesville? Currently, I serve as the principal of Wilson Elementary School. In this role, I work directly with students, parents, staff and the community to ensure all students have opportunities for learning.
Share something you find rewarding and something you find frustrating about being a principal. One of the most rewarding daily experiences is watching students experience success. There is nothing more rewarding than a student smiling while showing you their work. One of the most frustrating items is often uncontrollable barriers faced in education such as changes in systems and processes and changes within society.
What was the very first job you ever had? Professional outdoor showman. My family currently owns two working carnivals in the state of Pennsylvania. My first official position was operator of the Frog Bog and the Bounce House.
You have two hours of free time. What do you do? Go to an antique flea market to find historical items to contribute to our 1840’s farmhouse.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? To speak several languages.
What was your favorite subject in school? Social studies – specifically, problems of democracy. The issues and topics presented systemic problems that could have a variety of solutions.
You grew up in a family that owns and operates a carnival. What was that like? Both challenging and rewarding. It instilled in me to be intrinsically motivated, the value of hands-on work, and applied ongoing conflict management skills as well as crisis management.
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Cookie dough. Although it is not a necessity, it is a great indulgence after a long day.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? The Maldives. I enjoy clear water and being in the ocean.
Who is your favorite Muppet? I never really watched "The Muppets," but I would say Kermit the Frog for his laid-back, wiseguy type of personality.
In your opinion, what is the most valuable characteristic to being an effective educator? The ability to be flexible and collaborative. There are many challenges in education, and it is important to be flexible to the needs being presented and to stay solution-focused.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. That I am from Pennsylvania and from a very remote, wooded area. There are several “East Coast” characteristics that people notice at times.
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: Seeing a lion in the wild in South Africa. It was the coolest, yet most terrifying thing that has ever happened to me.
What initially inspired you to become an educator? This dates back to high school. I had the opportunity to work with elementary-aged students and from there wanted to work with students in some capacity.
What is something people don’t know or understand about Wilson Elementary that you wish they did? We have very hardworking students and staff despite the obstacles they might face. The students and staff are doing great things on a day-to-day basis, as are all educators. We also have a mascot named “Willie Wildcat,” however, he has been retired for some time.
Education: Bachelor of Art, Studio Art/Art Education, Beloit College; Masters degree, Elementary Education, Cardinal Stritch University; Masters degree, Administration/Curriculum, National Louis University.
Awards and Honors: Monroe PTA Teacher of the Year (2015); JAC Fine Arts Educator of the Year (2015).
Family: Husband, John Tyborski; dogs, Bailey and Sookie.
Can you offer a brief description of what you do for the School District of Janesville?
I have been an art teacher in the SDJ for 25 years, including 14 at Harrison Elementary and 11 at Monroe Elementary). I am the arts integration coordinator for the district, PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) team leader at Monroe Elementary, instructional manager for the elementary art department and safety patrol coordinator at Monroe Elementary.
Share something you find rewarding and something you find frustrating about teaching art. The most rewarding part of my work is seeing students' creativity in action. Children have such big imaginations, and I feel privileged to give them the space and opportunity to allow it to flourish. The most frustrating part of being an art teacher is constantly advocating for the importance of the arts in a child's education.
What was the very first job you ever had? My very first job was cleaning stalls at a horse barn where I used to ride. In order to help pay for my lessons, I cleaned out the stalls and fed and watered the horses.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? I have always wanted to learn glass-blowing. I absolutely love Dale Chihuly’s work and find the process incredibly fascinating.
What was your favorite subject in school? My favorite subject in school was art class. I loved all the bright colors of the markers, crayons and papers. Painting and clay were my favorites.
You are an advocate for the TAB method of teaching art. Can you offer an explanation of what that is? TAB stands for Teaching for Artistic Behavior. When I first began teaching, I used to teach all the same projects for each grade level (you remember, everyone creates “Starry Night” using the same materials?). I was teaching lots of techniques, but after several years I found I was getting bored teaching the same thing,and it wasn’t exciting anymore. I had an epiphany and thought, “I’m not teaching these students how to be artists,” so I went on a quest to learn about other ways of teaching and came across TAB. When I began using it about 15 years ago, no one had really heard of it in our district, and the fact I was allowed to try another method meant so much to me. Now the students are the artists, they chose their materials, they create a plan and they create that plan using whatever materials they chose. I am helping them bring the vision they have in their head to life, and there is nothing more satisfying.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. That I am related to Frank Sinatra. Through marriage, but still ...
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Coffee. Superman had Kryptonite; I have coffee.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I’ve lived overseas and traveled a lot growing up, but one place I have never been is Alaska. That’s a place I would love to visit.
Who is your favorite Muppet? Rizzo the Rat. He’s one of those characters that had great one-liners, wasn’t in a lot of episodes and had personality plus.
What do students learn by studying art that they don’t get from other classes? They learn a lot about themselves, to be honest. With other classes, the curriculum tends to be more direct. With the arts, it’s more intrapersonal. They learn how to problem-solve through their processes as well as build self-confidence.
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: I auditioned for a movie about the life of JFK and made it to the last audition, but the girl they cast as his sister looked more like the boy they cast to be JFK as a child.
Are other members of your family artistic, or did you get all the talent? My paternal grandfather was an architect, my dad builds model airplanes and my sister is an opera singer. I would say artistic talent runs in our family.
Name one person from history you would most like to meet. I would like to meet my great-great-grandmother. I would love to learn more about our family history and what caused them to leave Italy and come to America. I would love to learn more about who they were and just sit and talk.
If you weren’t teaching, what do you think you would be doing as a career? That’s an interesting question, because I never really thought I would be doing anything else. But if I had to pick, I would probably pick a hairdresser. It’s another creative outlet, and I have always enjoyed cutting and styling hair for different occasions.
Awards and Honors: Herb Kohl Fellowship, 2005; All-USA Today Teacher, 2005.
Family: Husband, Tom; daughter Haley Peterson (Wilson Elementary School teacher); daughter Alyssa Peterson (special education teacher); daughter Kira Panzer; grandchildren, Lukah Byrd, Vivian Panzer and Felix Panzer. Boston terriers Roxy and Bella.
Can you offer a brief description of what you do for the School District of Janesville? I work to guide students for whom the comprehensive high school was not the correct educational learning environment. I try
to help them find the right fit so they can fulfill their graduation requirements and launch a successful post-secondary plan.
Share something you find rewarding and something you find frustrating about being a principal. I find it rewarding when I see students who really struggle graduate. I find it frustrating when students don’t attend school.
What was the very first job you ever had? My first job was as a cook at the Pizza Hut in Monroe.
You have two hours of free time. What do you do? Play with my grandson, Lukah. He named me JuJu, and he loves to read books and play games.
Share the last good book you read or the last good film/TV show you watched? I loved “I Wish You Were There” by Jodi Picoult. It offered a great look at the Covid pandemic with a twist that kept me up late into the evening.
What were your favorite subjects in school? English and history. I wanted to double-major to teach both of those subjects. My high school guidance counselor talked me out of that plan, so I focused on English.
You have a fairly extensive collection of coffee mugs in your office. When did you start collecting them, and why? I started collecting the mugs because they were inexpensive souvenirs when I travel. That has morphed into family members picking me up a mug when they travel. Now I purposefully select my mug
each morning to correspond with my outfit and mood.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I love to play the board game “Catan.” My sister-in-law introduced us to it in 2018 during Thanksgiving. My favorite part is that no two games are ever the same, and that there is a little luck and a lot of strategy involved.
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Caramel with dark chocolate. A person can never, ever have too much of that!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Ireland. I have a little Irish in my background, and I am fascinated by Celtic culture. I have always wanted to travel there.
Who is your favorite Muppet? Snuffalupugus. He was the most imaginative and creative character. He was also loving and kind.
In your opinion, what is the most valuable characteristic to being an effective educator? The belief that all students can succeed.
You have a bell hanging in the lobby at Rock River Charter School. What is its purpose, and what does it symbolize? When a student completes graduation paperwork with his or her family, that student rings the bell. The bell symbolizes everything.
Name one person from history you would most like to meet. Martin Luther King Jr. His work served as the foundation of social justice work in the United States.
If you weren’t involved in education, what do you think you would be doing as a career? I have always wanted to be a teacher. As a little girl, my stuffed animals were my class, and my mom’s cookbooks were my texts. The surprise for me was going into administration. I did that because the changes I wanted for my students needed me to gain more systemic leverage. Thus, my second master’s degree.
Position: Families in Transition Coordinator (Homeless Liaison), School District of Janesville.
Hometown: Janesville, Wisconsin.
Education: Master of Science, Counseling, UW-Whitewater; Certified Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor and Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker.
Awards and Honors: State of Wisconsin Leadership in Prevention Award; Wisconsin Community Leadership Award; Partners in Prevention Asset Builder Award; Rock County Youth-2-Youth Member of the Year; City of Janesville Administrative Volunteer of the Year.
Family: Husband, Ken; daughter, Megan; son, Thomas (TJ); dog, Hank; cat, the black cat.
Offer a brief description of what you do for the School District of Janesville? Under the Federal McKinney-Vento Act, every local educational agency is required to designate a liaison for homeless children and youth. As the Families in Transition
Coordinator, I coordinate services to ensure that homeless children and youth are enrolled in school and have the opportunity to succeed academically. It is my job to make sure all barriers are removed so students can receive a quality education. I set up services for children experiencing homelessness including free lunches, school fee waivers, transportation and any other items the student might need to meet his or her basic needs. I work with community partners through outreach, referral and coordination. I also write grants for the district and community.
Share something you find rewarding and something you find frustrating about being a liaison for homeless students. I’ve always been a helper, so I often tell people I don't feel like I have a job. I get paid to help people. The most rewarding part of this job is offering hope to someone who is experiencing hopelessness. Hearing a single mom cry happy tears when I tell her I can set up a school bus to help her get her kids to school. That's one less thing that mom needs to worry about in a stressful situation. Making another person's life easier and making a difference in the community. The most frustrating part of my job is not being able to find a family a home.I go to bed some nights knowing a family is sleeping in their car; sometimes I just feel so helpless. I offer resources and referrals, but sometimes there is just no housing available or the family has exhausted all resources.
What was the very first job you ever had? My very first job was working at Riverside Park, where I ran the concession stand. I sold pop, candy and ice cream to the kids who visited the park. In college, I worked at GM building trucks on the night shift.
You have two hours of free time. What do you do? During the school year, I don’t have much free time. I help to take care of my dad, who has dementia, in the off hours. During summer break, I like to spend time up at our cabin in Mole Lake. My grandpa was a fishing guide in Eagle River, so I have been fishing since I was a kid. Most of the time, you can find me fishing or wandering around the woods with my camera. I enjoy nature photography. My husband and I also bowl in a league during the winter months. We took second place this season!
You are an accomplished photographer. How did you get involved in that, and what inspires your art? Wow, not sure about “accomplished.” I have won some photo contests and belong to numerous national and international photography groups. It started in my senior year of college. I needed to take an elective class for three credits, so I took photography. I didn't realize it would be so much work! I learned to develop my own prints and spent lots of time in the darkroom on campus. I think I like nature photography because it's quiet and peaceful. It feeds my soul. I see so much in my job that is not pretty. Being in nature grounds me and offers beauty.
Share the last good book you read or the last good film/TV show you watched? I finished “Ozark” on Netflix. It was so good. I also like to watch the TV show “Yellowstone.” I love to read a good psychological thriller, and I try to read at least two or three books during the summer.
What was your favorite subject in school? I loved music class! I attended Craig High school in the 80s and was in all of the musicals, a cappella choir and Spotlighters. I was such a shy, quiet child all through school. Music really helped me to find my voice and boosted my confidence.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. People might be surprised to know that the former Governor of Wisconsin, Tommy Thompson, is my cousin.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I had a trip planned to Ireland in 2020. Needless to say, with the pandemic, I never got there. I have five years to use my plane tickets, so I plan to go next summer. I’m 77% Irish and still have family in Ireland. I have a cousin who has already mapped out our family locations, so all the work has been done for me. I bought a new camera especially for my trip, and I can't wait to get some fantastic photos.
Who is your favorite Muppet? I’m not sure. I love those little guys who sing “Mah-na, Mah-na,” and Animal, of course. I always wanted to learn to play the drums.
What is your favorite food and your favorite place to get it? Coconut shrimp at Bahama Bob’s in Gulf Shores, Alabama! I’m pretty sure I was a flamingo in my former life. It’s always been shrimp!
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: That's a hard question, because so many experiences come to mind. I think I might have some psychic abilities, because many times my dreams have come true. For instance, I dreamt of our house before we moved in. It's fascinating and scary at the same time. I don't analyze it too much. I just go with the flow.
Name one person from history you would most like to meet. Probably Mother Teresa. She believed that service to the poor is service to God. I think we would have a lot in common and have an extraordinary conversation.
If you could ask your pet one question, what would it be? I would ask my dog, Hank: “How would you describe your perfect day?” (then make sure I do those things to make him happy).
Share a quote that inspires you. My all time favorite quote is “Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping him up” by Jesse Jackson, because I believe we are all put on this earth to help others.
Can you offer a brief description of what you do for the School District of Janesville? I am in my tenth year as a teacher of Students With Disabilities at Franklin Middle School. Currently, I teach grades 6-8 literacy and math strategies as well as co-teach literacy in grades 7-8. I am also an IEP (individualized educational plan) case manager for students in all three grades at Franklin.
Share something you find rewarding and something you find frustrating about being a teacher. There are many things I find rewarding about being a teacher. The most rewarding aspect is being able to work with young people on a daily basis and watching them grow through their successes and learn through their mistakes. I find it very rewarding to be there to guide our kids through the difficult times of middle school. Although there are frustrating aspects at times about being a teacher, I can’t think of a better job. You get paid to make connections with young people in a place where you hear laughter in conversations daily and make lasting impacts on kids through learning.
What was the very first job you ever had? What did it entail? There was no laughter! My first job was at an area pheasant farm (not the well-known one). In high school, my friends and I worked on the initial construction of a purchased farm. The job entailed finding old barbed-wire fencing, tearing down said fencing, and putting new fencing up 50 hours a week for $6.25 an hour. I worked at this pheasant farm for two months and never saw a pheasant.
Share the last good book you read or the last good film/TV show you watched? I recently watched a documentary about an attorney that was exposed to gamma radiation through cross-contamination with a family member. The documentary chronicled her life’s work of upholding law and justice.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? I always wanted to be able to play the piano, for some reason. The recorder is the extent of my music skills, so I am not very musically inclined. The piano is such a peaceful instrument.
What were your favorite and least favorite subjects in school? Both were reading. I struggled as an elementary student with literacy and looking back, I now understand that I was in intervention groups in early elementary school. Nothing gets a kid feeling good about himself better than being in the grackle group when all of your other friends are blue jays and robins. Although I had struggles, I had an amazing third-grade teacher who took time and care to make sure I was bridging those gaps. All throughout elementary school, literacy was a struggle. But through her care, I was able to develop some strong skills. There were several teachers in middle school and my ninth-grade English teacher who continued to foster this desire to read. Although it was still a struggle at times, they showed me the care and support I needed. They were the guides that developed my love for reading and eventually turned it into a desire to do the same for our kids now.
What drew you toward working with students who face special challenges? I initially wanted to be an adaptive phy-ed teacher, and in high school I did some job shadowing with one of the phy-ed teachers at Parker. I liked the idea of helping others, but I didn’t fully understand what special education or Students With Disabilities was. I had a college professor who steered me towards teaching students reading and math. I used my struggles as a learner to guide how I taught students and how to care for students who have deficits or differences. I was not the greatest student growing up, but my roadblocks were often self-imposed. I had great teachers at Madison, Franklin and Parker that guided me through those roadblocks, and I wanted to do the same for other kids. I wanted to give students a voice and an advocate like I had in my time as a young person in school. Those connections I made with teachers helped guide me to this profession, but a desire to connect to the community that I grew up in brought me to Janesville. I had taught for five years in other districts in the area before I felt the importance of becoming a piece of this community again. I wanted to give our kids the same promoter I had growing up in Janesville.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. Despite my physical stature, I am terrified of small birds. They're deceptively fast.
Share one item at the store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. You can never have too much coffee.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would like to see the wilderness of Montana or Idaho. I have a lot of hobbies that revolve around the outdoors
Who is your favorite Muppet? I have a lot of respect for Oscar. No matter how rough his life is, he still shows up every day for those kids that live on Sesame Street.
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: I’m in Sports Illustrated. Well, you can see half of me if you squint and use your imagination. A long time ago, a guy named Brett Favre retired a bunch of times, and they used a picture of him jumping into the stands for his retirement issue. I’m the blurry area to the right of him.
If you weren’t involved in education, what do you think you would be doing as a career? Social work or human services would be an equally important profession. I would still get to work with what matters most – people.
Share a common misconception about special education and explain why it is a misconception. I think the biggest misconception is that special education is a place, an actual physical location in our school. I feel fortunate that our district has a strong foundation of inclusion and equity – especially at Franklin. Special education is a support, not a class. Our teachers of Students With Disabilities are a support to all of our kids and often are not known as teachers of SWD, just teachers. Students With Disabilities in classrooms are not viewed by their peers as different, they are viewed as friends or table partners. Janesville has made that a priority, and in my time here, inclusive practices and access to all has been the standard. I cannot say the same about some of the other school districts I have worked in.
Knowing what you know now, share the one piece of advice you would like to give your younger self. Don’t make fun of your dad and uncles for their male-pattern baldness. Genetics are stronger than jokes.
Position and school: School social worker, Jackson/Lincoln Elementary Schools.
Hometown: Janesville, Wisconsin.
Education: Bachelor's degree, Social Work; UW-Whitewater; Master's degree, Social Work, UW-Madison.
Family: Husband, Matt; sons Gavin and Kenny. Two dogs, Lucy and Roxy, and LOTS of cows and chickens.
Can you offer a brief description of what you do for the School District of Janesville? I am a school social worker for the district and I am currently between two buildings – Jackson and Lincoln. I help support students and families inside and outside of school, connect them with resources within the community, help remove any barriers they might be experiencing in regard to basic needs or getting their students to school, and provide support to teachers by working with students to support their emotional well-being and improve their academics. I work closely with school administration, counselors and other district social workers to support all students, families and staff.
Share something you find rewarding and something you find frustrating about your position. By far, the most rewarding thing about my position is the relationships I get to build with students and their families. School is their home for seven hours a day, and making sure students know there are people other than their family members who love and care for them is something I don't take for granted. We are their safe place and their constant. School social workers are, at times, in the thick of some of the toughest moments in some families’ lives, and we get the honor of being trusted enough to help support them and help them try to come up with solutions. Having students light up when they see you or run to you for a hug makes all of the tough days and situations worth it. The most frustrating part of my position is the need for more mental health services in schools. Over the past few years, that need for support by not only students but families has grown exponentially. When that need grows at such a rapid pace and you don't have enough staff to feel like you are effective, it takes a toll.
What was the very first job you ever had? Being a swim instructor in summer school for the School District of Janesville back in 2000. I was at Marshall Middle School, and I taught little kids how to swim. I was on the swim team at Parker, and a bunch of us got jobs doing this in the summer. After we got done teaching lessons, we would go right to our summer swim practices at Parker.
You have two hours of free time. What do you do? I am a homebody, so if I had two hours of free time, I
would sit on my couch and watch “Scrubs” on repeat. That’s my favorite show, and comedies are my jam. After being around struggles and serious things all day, I need laughter. Something that makes my soul happy.
Share the last good book you read or the last good film/TV show you watched? The “Obi-Wan Kenobi” series. Seriously. The BEST “Star Wars” adaptation to date! I have already watched it about 10 times. Sooo many jaw-dropping moments and audible gasps throughout the series. If you haven’t watched it, do yourself a favor and watch it right now. Like RUN – don’t walk – to your TV, turn on Disney+ and binge the entire series.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? I have always wanted to be able to draw. Like REALLY draw. I can scribble and copy some things, but I have never been able to think of something and then put my idea down on paper. I joke with the kids that "Mrs. Everhart can only draw a stick figure, but she keeps trying." And I do, but it never seems to get any better. I admire those artists who draw, and their drawings or paintings look so realistic.
What was your favorite subject in school? History. I actually have a degree in history along with one for social work. I fell in love with history when I was in eighth grade at Franklin Middle School back in 1995 with Mr. (John) Brikowski. There is just something about history that intrigues me. My favorite is WWII history and everything it encompasses.
You are in a position that requires round-the-clock positivity. What methods do you use to maintain that perspective? There are two things that make this happen for me. The first is that I truly believe the energy you put out there makes a difference. It's a must that I am genuine and caring and positive because kids and families can see right through that. My hope is that the more positive I am, the more it might rub off onto other people or might cheer up a student or staff member when they're having a hard day. The other method is having "your person" at the school who “gets you.” I am blessed that I have people I can talk to and they will understand where I'm coming from. They get my position, and they listen without judgment. Having people in your corner who have "your brain" makes things exponentially better. Sometimes you feel as though you're on an island by yourself because you are the only social worker in your building, but when you can collaborate with other social workers and realize you're not alone, it makes the hard things a little easier.
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Peppermint mocha coffee cream. I have been known to have as many as 4-5 giant bottles of this in my fridge at times. I drink coffee all day, every day, and unfortunately, I am not a black coffee drinker (I admire those who can). I need my coffee cream. It's a must.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Hawaii. It has everything I love – beaches, the ocean, history. It's on my bucket list, especially to visit Pearl Harbor.
Who is your favorite Muppet? I'm laughing as I think of this, but my favorites would have to be Statler and Waldorf – the two old, grumpy men who heckle the Muppets from the audience. I think they're hilarious, and I always have. They're to the point and don't take things too seriously. I thought of those two right away.
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: In 2019, my oldest son and I went to Summerfest for the first time. I surprised him with concert tickets to see Thomas Rhett, a country artist who was his favorite at the time. Gavin was 11 at the time, and this was his – and my – first real concert experience. The tickets we had let us get in early and go to a "lounge" area where we ate some food, hung out and got into the concert a little early. As luck would have it, they were doing some trivia that offered prizes. I missed the first question (the prize was a hat), but the last question was for meet-and-greet tickets. The question was, "What was the name of Thomas Rhett's high school band?" The answer was "The High-Heeled Flip-Flops." I was the first to get it, so Gavin and I got to go backstage to meet Thomas Rhett. It was an experience and adrenaline rush I will never forget. I have a picture hanging in my office of Gavin and I with Thomas Rhett. Gavin was so excited that he was crying. That was by far the coolest thing that has ever happened to me.
You’re in your car, listening to the radio. Which song makes you turn the volume up, and which song makes you turn the radio off? My jam right now is “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. It's just such an iconic song that everytime I hear it, I turn it up. And when the progression of the song hits its apex, you'll see me pretending my steering wheel is a drum and I'll be bobbing my head like I'm Wayne and Garth (from “Wayne’s World”). Every. Single. Time. I have a very eclectic and diverse taste for music, so there's not a lot that I turn my radio off for. But … I am not a fan of rap. Not like 90s and early 2000 rap (because that's my jam), but the new stuff. I don't get it. Maybe that means I'm old, but I don't listen to it and turn it off right away if it comes on.
Name one person from history you would most like to meet. Either Frank Sinatra or Walt Disney. I've always felt as though I was born in the wrong generation. Both of those individuals have accomplished and overcome so much. Frank has always been my favorite artist since I was in high school, and being able to talk to him and ask questions would be amazing. And Walt Disney is, well … Walt Disney!! Seeing how he built Disney, how he knew the world would be evolving and how he would think outside the box and do what he loved is something I admire.
Give one of your favorite examples of a time where nontraditional methods helped you reach a student who was struggling. I am a firm believer that you have to meet students where they are or you are never going to get anywhere. Back in 2017, I had just come back from maternity leave and had a kindergartener who had been struggling. She was having a hard time with everything – being disruptive, banging her head, and she was not able to stay safe in the classroom. We made our way down to my office, and she continued to throw my things on the ground and try to get a reaction from me. She eventually laid on the ground. The normal reaction would be to tell her to "get up" and "sit in the chair." Insead, I laid down next to her, stared at the ceiling with her for what seemed like 30 minutes, and then asked her what she was looking at. She looked at me and laughed and said that I wasn’t supposed to be laying on the floor. I asked why not, and she said because I'm the grown-up, and grown-ups don't sit or lay on the floor. To her surprise I laughed and said I preferred the floor, that we could lay there as long as we wanted. We laid there looking up at my ceiling for a little while longer until she said, "OK, I'm better now." I met her where she was. I wasn't hovering over her or telling her to do something she didn't want to do. I gave her permission to do what she needed to do to center herself and regain control. From that moment on, we never sat in the chairs when she came down – it was always on the floor. To this day, we have an AMAZING relationship, and the best part of this is that one of the special education teachers was walking by and snapped a picture of us. It's something I'll always remember.
Position and school: Science teacher/Link Crew coordinator, Craig High School.
Hometown: Janesville, Wisconsin.
Education: Bachelor of Science, Education, UW-Whitewater; Master of Education - Interdisciplinary Studies, National Louis University; Master's certificate, biology, American College of Education.
Can you offer a brief description of what you do for the School District of Janesville? As a science teacher, I see my role in helping youth develop a sense of curiosity about the world around them and develop their skills in answering those questions. This sometimes results in students identifying problems that exist in
the world, so my role is also to help facilitate their problem-solving skills. As a Link Crew coordinator, my job is two-fold. First, the Link Crew leaders I work with help freshmen transition to high school through a first-day orientation and with meetings throughout the year in advisory. The second role is to help underclassmen leaders develop their leadership skills.
Share something you find rewarding and something you find frustrating about being a teacher. I absolutely love seeing students fall in love with content and eventually pursue their passions in life as they grow up. It is most rewarding to hear from former students that are now earning degrees in science and are grateful for the role I played in their education. I have to admit, it can be frustrating to see a lack of empathy students can have for each other and not understanding everyone is going through something difficult at some level.
What was the very first job you ever had? I had to get my first job after I received my first speeding ticket at the age of 16. My father asked me how I was going to pay for it, and I remember just looking dumbfounded by the question. He said, “I guess you better find a job!” I ended up working at Foot Locker in the Janesville Mall, which probably was the start of my obsession with shoes!
Share the last good book you read or the last good film/TV show you watched? “George Carlin’s American Dream.” I am absolutely amazed at how long his comedic career lasted and truly believe in comedy as an art form. George Carlin was not afraid to share his voice and thoughts on any controversial topic, which really challenged his audience to consider other perspectives. I respect that.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? A back handspring. I have always been nervous about jumping head-first backwards, even from a diving board into a pool!
What was your favorite subject in school? Science, obviously. My favorite classes were biology, microbiology, anatomy & physiology and genetics – probably because of the teachers I had.
You are a fifth-degree black belt and own AmeriKick in Janesville with your husband, Joe. When did you first get involved in karate, and why? I started my freshman year in college at a karate club on campus at UW-Whitewater. One of my instructors was the dean of the college of education. I loved the physical and mental challenge it provided, besides the stress relief. I was involved every year in college and later moved away to get my first teaching job in Arizona. I never made it to black belt until I moved back to Janesville and started training again. I tested for my red-recommended belt the week before I gave birth to my son and then tested for my black belt about five months later. The school I was attending closed, so once my husband tested for his belt along with another friend from Chicago, we started our own school in 2004.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I love to sit with blankets and be cozy really any time of year!
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Chips and salsa. I could live on it!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Okinawa, Japan, as that is the birthplace of the martial arts styles in which I train. Otherwise, I have heard Thailand and Vietnam are stunning, the food is spectacular and the people have an amazing culture to experience.
Who are your favorite Muppets? Statler and Waldorf are absolutely my favorite. To this day, I still giggle at their side comments from stage left. Plus, I have a couple of friends who remind me of the two of them!
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: The most recent would be in martial arts training, where I had the opportunity to compete in with female kata Olympic gold-medalist Sandra Sanchez and her coach, Jesus Del Moral, in Lenexa, Kansas. She is an absolute beast and the most impressive athlete and human being I have ever met.
You implemented the Link Crew program at Craig High School. What is Link Crew and how does it work? Link Crew is a freshman transition program that utilizes the talents of upperclassmen to provide peer support and mentorship academically, emotionally and socially. Each spring, juniors and sophomores can apply to be a leader for the next year. We bring the leaders together at the end of the school year to inspire them to create some excitement for the program. In August, leaders come in for 10 hours of training that includes the activities they will lead on the first-day orientation for freshmen. It also includes developing skills of support for each other, our school and, of course, the freshmen. Throughout the year, we visit during advisory periods once a month to connect with the freshmen and provide support.
If you weren’t involved in education, what do you think you would be doing as a career? I am very interested in epidemiology and the spread of disease. I could see myself as a researcher or traveling to countries during outbreaks to help track and study the infection.
You are a graduate of Craig High School. What does it feel like to be back teaching at your alma mater? There is a sense of pride coming back to your alma mater and giving back to the community you grew up in. It was very interesting returning and working with the same teachers that inspired me to become an educator. Not everyone has that opportunity, and I am very grateful for it.
Position and school: Social Studies and Fine Arts Coordinator, School District of Janesville.
Hometown: Genesee Depot, Wisconsin.
Education: Bachelor of Science, History/Education, UW-Madison; Master of Arts, Educational Leadership/Curriculum and Instruction, Viterbo College.
Family: Partner, Scott; dog, Juna.
Can you offer a brief description of what you do for the School District of Janesville? I’m the district’s social studies and fine arts coordinator, which is a middleman of sorts. I help with the transfer of district goals to the classroom and help represent teachers at the district table.
What was the very first job you ever had?
When I was in third or fourth grade, my mom’s boss started paying me $2 an hour, cash, to sort huge stacks of medical bills by the insurance company and seal them into envelopes. Two nights a week, I’d have stacks strewn across the living room floor. But I still remember how rich I felt when I got up to a hundred singles in my sock drawer.
You have two hours of free time. What do you do? Something outside. Take the dog somewhere, work in my gardens, hang out with my neighbor and her chickens, do trail maintenance on my property, split wood for my furnace, pull buckthorn … I live in the woods.
Share the last good book you read or the last good film/TV show you watched? I have an hour's drive to get to work, so I listen to tons of books. So far, my favorite of 2022 is “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston. Sometimes, a book makes you feel like you were meant to read it.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? Taking this job has really renewed my desire to learn to play the piano. The other day, I watched (Marshall Middle School music teacher) Traci Schneider effortlessly play beautiful music, and it reminded me how much I wish that I could do that.
What was your favorite subject in school? Anything but physics. My lab partner and I set a “three stupid questions a day” limit for ourselves. I was always more drawn to history, English and band. I liked that they were more about the complexities of people and less about exact answers.
Do you have a background in music or theater? Not as an educator, but I did go through grades 5-12
playing clarinet and saxophone in the band, jazz band, marching band and pit orchestra for school musicals. I also grew up going to many musical performances since my grandma, dad and aunt were all involved in the Waukesha Civic Theater and the Waukesha Choral Union. My grandma made many of the costumes, so we always had fun playing dress-up when they did shows like “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “The Mikado” or “Hello, Dolly!”
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I don’t know -- maybe that I’m an OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) III veteran. Or that I run a series of dartball tournaments every winter and somehow convince the participants to dress thematically by month.
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Broccoli. I get made fun of for always having about 10 bags of broccoli in my freezer.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I like to go on vacations that many would consider odd. I once went dog sledding through Siberia in the middle of winter, but right now I would really like to go to the Sossusvlei region of Namibia.
I understand your family once won free cheese for an entire year. You have to share that story. When I was a kid, my dad never missed a chance to moo at cows. One day, he read in the paper that they were holding a mooing contest at the Wisconsin State Fair. He put on his Holstein hat and cowbell and ended up mooing his way into second place. A cute 7-year-old dressed as a cow won, but our family still got free cheese and two Subway footlongs every week for an entire next year.
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that I have ever seen is: My dad used to get paid by a karaoke company to be their planted ice-breaker. We were watching one night when a frail, hunched man came shuffling in with a walker, a Korean War hat and a fiery woman on his arm. He was immediately handed the mic, the DJ cued up Paul Anka’s “Diana,” and he brought down the house with his stunning performance. Dumbfounded by his transformation, I asked my mom what was going on, and she explained that they had broken him out of hospice because he wanted to sing for his wife one last time. Andy died of cancer a few days later, with his wife, Diana, at his side, and that song will always remind me of what is truly precious in this world.
You’re in your car, listening to the radio. Which song makes you turn the volume up, and which song makes you turn the radio off? Turn it up: “Let Your Love Flow” by The Bellamy Brothers. Turn it off: Anything Luke Bryant. No … just no. You want me to start a dance party? Elvis – “Such a Night” or Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance.”
Name one person from history you would most like to meet. I feel like I should have a more meaningful answer here, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say Teddy Roosevelt. The man fascinates me. I make my neighbor celebrate his birthday with me each October, and I may have a drawer full of Teddy Roosevelt clothing from my days as a history teacher.
If you weren’t involved in education, what do you think you would be doing as a career? There’s no doubt in my mind that I would own a little diner in a small town. It would only serve breakfast, lunch and a Friday fish fry, but it would be the type of place where you can talk to me behind the counter while I’m making your food.
Position and school: Earth Science Teacher, Parker High School.
Hometown: Pardeeville, Wisconsin (also Random Lake and Sauk Prairie, WIsconsin).
Education:Bachelor of Science, Education, UW-Madison; Master of Science, Interdisciplinary Education, National Louis University.
Awards and Honors: Parker High School Teacher of the Year (2013).
Family:Wife, Rebecca; daughters, Brianna and Naleah.
You have two hours of free time. What do you do? I would either play backgammon with my daughter, play card games with my family, or go outside for a good family nature hike.
When did you decide you wanted to be a teacher? I decided I wanted to be a teacher during my senior year in high school. I had a great earth science teacher that sparked my interest in the subject and helped me see that I would also have an interest in teaching. Also, I knew I was interested in coaching, and I felt teaching would provide the avenue for this. At Parker, I coached shot put and discus for a few years and football for nine years. I also continued to help the program for several years after that.
Share the last good book you read or the last good film/TV show you watched? I enjoy listening to some podcasts, specifically Clark Howard and Dave Ramsey. As far as movies, we have been watching some of the iconic pop culture movies like “Forrest Gump” and “The Princess Bride.”
What was the very first job you ever had? During high school, I was a stocker and bagger at Sentry Foods. Shortly after, I worked maintenance at the local golf course.
Share something you find rewarding and something you find frustrating about being a teacher? I find it rewarding to share something related to science and see the light bulb click in my students. It is like they finally understand why something works the way it does. It frustrates me when some students are satisfied with mediocrity and do not strive for their full potential.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? I would train to be an astronaut because I would love
to take a short trip into space. I feel it would be amazing to experience weightlessness and see the vastness of the Earth from afar.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I have always enjoyed outdoor adventures including hiking across the Grand Canyon, running a couple of marathons and a 50K. During summer, I painted for the district for quite a few years and realized I was more interested in getting outside and getting young people interested in the outdoors. I started two summer school classes that have students exploring the outdoors and learning survival skills. Through one of these classes, I ended up being approached by the parent of a BVI (blind and visually impaired) student to work on IDATA (Innovators Developing Accessible Tools for Astronomy). This program developed a software that helps BVI individuals experience deep-space objects. Most recently, I was co-lead author on the software manual.
You were part of NITARP (NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program), a prestigious program partnering scientists with high school educators for astronomical research. Can you briefly describe that experience? Through NITARP, I was paired with a NASA research scientist and a group of teachers and students from across the country. Our research goal was to map the size of active galactic nuclei (which are like black holes). We started by reading research papers from similar research projects and creating a research proposal. Then, we created a list of sources and ultimately checked if more than 500 potential sources would be candidates. The last step was to create a research poster that was presented at the January 2021 virtual American Astronomical Society meeting, and another poster for the January 2022 American Astronomical Society meeting (which was postponed to June). I was lead author on the second poster.
What initially sparked your interest in space? When I was a mere lad, a childhood bedroom had rocket wallpaper, and I thought it was the coolest thing. Then, at some point, I was able to see Saturn through a telescope for the first time. I was amazed by what you could see, and I knew I wanted to explore it more.
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Frozen fruit, but I couldn’t decide on just one, so it’s a three-way tie. You can never have too much mustard: dijon, stone ground, horseradish … Frozen fruit, blueberries in particular, make a great healthy evening snack. Then, you can never go wrong with smoked salmon. I like to make it myself, but sometimes it’s a lot easier to get it all ready to go.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would do a European river cruise to see our family's heritage countries. I would also love to go to Iceland in order to see the Northern Lights.
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: My wife and I had the goal to take our daughters to all 50 states. We went on an Alaskan cruise the summer of 2019 for our 49th state, and then I was selected to be part of the NITARP team that fall. The first meeting was in Honolulu, Hawaii, in January 2020. We made it a family trip and all hit our 50th state together.
Name one person from history you would most like to meet. I would most like to meet Neil Armstrong. I feel like going into space would be such a neat experience, and I would like to know more about how he felt being the first human on the Moon.
If you weren’t teaching science, what would you be doing for a career? After visiting many national parks around the U.S., I think working as a park ranger in a national park would be very interesting and enjoyable.
If you were given the opportunity, would you like to travel into space, or do you prefer to study it from down here? I would like to go to space to experience it for a short period of time, but for the long-term, I would like to study it from down here.
Position and school: School counselor, Marshall Middle School. (Update: Hanewall transferred to Craig High School in 2023 to become one of the school's counselors).
Hometown:Janesville, Wisconsin.
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Social Work, UW-Oshkosh; Master’s degree, School Counseling, Concordia University.
You have two hours of free time. What do you do? If it’s outside of the months of December and January, there is a really good chance I will be playing or practicing disc golf.
You’re an accomplished disc golfer. How did you get into the sport, and what are some of your greatest achievements? I played a couple of times in high school, but I joined the college disc golf team the first week at UW-Oshkosh (where I attended college). They had a table during orientation week, and I signed up. Fifteen years later, here we are. I had several wins over the years, but the highlight would be winning the state championship and heading down to Emporia, Kansas, for Nationals.
Who is your favorite Muppet? Fozzie Bear is the best because he remains positive and continues to try despite multiple failures. He is also a great friend to others on the show.
What was the very first job you ever had? I helped my brother with his paper route, but my first job was at Culver’s.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? I think I would pick video editing. I think it can be fairly complex to learn all of the details and possible options you can do, but I think it would be a useful skill in my daily life.
What was your favorite subject in school? The simple answer would be to say Phy Ed, which I did enjoy. But if I dive a little deeper, I enjoyed a lot of sociology classes that I had over the years because of the discussions that would happen.
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I have only ever attended one concert in my life. It was back in eighth grade at Riverfest in Beloit. I believe it was Shinedown and Evans Blue.
Who is the person in history you would most like to meet? I think people always go with someone famous, but I think we know a lot about most of those people already. Therefore, I would pick someone in my family that I never got a chance to meet – my grandpa (my mom’s dad).
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. I’m a big fan of Combos. They tend to be my go-to snack.
When did you decide you wanted to be a school counselor? When I had my internship during my undergrad. I worked with students that were often tardy or absent from school. After that experience, I knew I wanted to work in the schools, and I thought becoming a school counselor was my best path.
Share something you find rewarding and something you find frustrating about being a school counselor. I think what can be rewarding is to see some of the positive changes that students can experience with your support. I think the frustrating part can be that, sometimes, students move on to high school, and you often lose touch with them.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would go to Norway, because I am Norwegian. It looks amazing, and they also have lots of disc golf.
Share the last good book you read or the last good film/TV show you watched. “Moon Knight” on Disney+. That has been one of the better shows I have watched in the last few years.
What is your favorite food and your favorite place to get it? Mac & cheese from Noodles is my quick, go-to meal.
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: Several years ago, I was able to win a small jackpot in Las Vegas, which was pretty exciting on a $5 wager.
Position and school:Counselor, Youth Services Center, School District of Janesville. (Update: Reifsnider transferred to Parker High School in 2022-23 to become the school's Dean of Students).
Hometown: Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.
Education:Master of Science in School Counseling, UW-Whitewater; Master of Science in Community Counseling, Substance Abuse Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, UW-W; Bachelor of Science in Sociology with minor in Family and Health Studies, UW-W.
Family: Son, Cooper.
You have two hours of free time. What do you do? Pack it full of tasks. There is nothing more fulfilling than getting things done. I enjoy yard work and home projects both for myself and for others.
What was the first job you ever had? My cousins owned and operated a family-run carnival business that provided amusement park rides and games for fireman’s picnics and other small-town events. Working for them was my first job. I made $25 a DAY.
You are a professional snowboarder. How did you get into the sport, and what do you enjoy about it? I was introduced to snowboarding through an adaptive program called BOLD–Blind Outdoor Leisure Development. My career in snowboarding expanded from there. I became driven to advance the world of adaptive sports while pursuing my own professional riding. The joy of helping others that often didn’t have the same accessibility as able-body athletes fueled my love of snowboarding. As much as I enjoy snowboarding myself, the most satisfaction for me comes from being part of others’ snowboarding experiences.
You are also an Air Force veteran. Have you always been interested in joining the military, or was there a particular reason you signed up? Watching 9/11 unfold as a middle school student had a profound effect on me. Since then I have wanted to serve my county and be a part of something larger than myself. The honor and pride of wearing the uniform is something that you feel through your whole body, and my service is something that I am very proud of.
You spend a great deal of time volunteering to work with other veterans who take part in adaptive sports. Explain what adaptive sports are and why they are so important. Adaptive sports are competitive or recreational sports for people with disabilities. Adaptive spots often run parallel to traditional spots. However, they allow modifications and adaptations necessary to assist a person’s disability area. I feel passionately about adaptive sports because I believe it is a therapeutic tool. My mental health background helps me see that adaptive sports programs aid in rehabilitation, improve mental and physical health along with promoting healing and a supportive recovery process.
If you could learn to do one thing, what would it be? I would love to learn Spanish. I have tried a few times with no success. If anyone has a sure-fire way to learn, please send it my way!
What was your favorite subject in school? Physical education! Who doesn’t love to play dodgeball?
Share something people would be surprised to find out about you. I have an irrational fear of snakes. I’m positive they have extreme athletic abilities and can bite me even when I am on my mountain bike.
Who is the person in history you would most like to meet? Harriet Tubman. The impact she made on our country is noble, and she is someone I would cherish speaking with.
Share one item at the grocery store that goes into your cart whether you need it or not. Pringles. It’s always a need.
When did you decide you wanted to be a school counselor? I worked in the mental health sector for some time before recognizing my passion was working with at-risk youth. After only three years in the mental health field, I returned back to grad school to pursue my master’s in school counseling. My desire was to start interventions earlier with the goal of promoting healthier adults.
Share something you find rewarding and something you find frustrating about your job. I absolutely love the students I work with and having the ability to build connections with them. One frustration I have is only being able to do so much for them. Students are at a vulnerable age – one that needs consistent and reliable support.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Ireland. I have been there but hope to return. It felt like around every curve it became more and more beautiful.
What is your favorite food and your favorite place to get it? I love Chinese food, and really any place will do! I am open to suggestions!
When I think about it, the single coolest thing that has ever happened to me is: Teaching my son to snowboard, though he has a few things to learn. For 3, he’s tearing it up!
