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Know The District

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!

So check these out, and come back regularly for new additions!

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AnabelRichterLede

ANABEL RICHTER -- LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

  • Name: Anabel Richter
  • 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


  • RichterFamilyPic
    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. 

 

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  • 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.
  • LjBeach
    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.

 

 

Past "Know the District" Features