I began my teaching career at Conant Junior High School in Neenah,
Wisconsin, in the fall of 1966, later moving to Shattuck Junior
High, which then became Shattuck Middle School, retiring in
June of 2000. During that time, I taught social studies and
English, later known as language arts. In addition, I served
as Junior High English Department Chairman, Middle School Language
Arts Curriculum Specialist, and eighth grade team leader. Upon
my retirement, I joined the C & I Department at UWO as a
supervisor of student teachers.
During the course of my thirty-four years of teaching, I learned
a great deal about students, the curriculum, and teaching in
general. I am glad to now have the opportunity to share some
of what I have learned the hard way with my student teachers.
I feel very strongly that education is the key to our success
as a democratic society, and that as educators, we hold the
future in our hands. I have a passion for teaching and helping
kids achieve success. I want to instill that same passion in
my students. Teaching is so much more than just a job; it is
truly a calling. One must want to do this above all else, or
one should choose another field of endeavor. This is a career
that has many frustrations, but also great rewards. I want prospective
teachers to focus on the positive aspects of the profession,
“hang in there” when the going gets tough, and,
above all, never give up on any student as we strive to help
each one reach his or her maximum potential.