Physical Education Teacher
27 years / 24 years at RAS
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in New Hope, MN and graduated from Cooper High School in New Hope.
Where did you attend college?
I went to college at Augsburg College, and graduated from there. I also got my Masters in Education from the University of Minnesota.
Did you always want to be a teacher?
I initially wanted to be a coach or be involved with coaching kids in some fashion- but eventually took a few education classes and liked it a lot. So I decided to get my teaching license from that point on, and try and land a job teaching somewhere.
I have taught every grade (PreK-12) in both Physical Education, and Adapted Physical Education, and have worked in all 3 buildings in the Rockford School District.
I have been a teacher for 27 years, in the state of Minnesota. I have been employed in the Rockford Area School District for 24 years.
What do you look most forward to everyday at Rockford?
I truly look forward to seeing the students I teach every day, as they are my needed solstice- and bring me more joy than I can really state. They are indeed a reason to get up energized every single day!
What is one of your most memorable moments as a teacher?
I would say that my most memorable moment here in this district, can best be described as ‘two-fold.’ One, on the day I got hired for a full-time position here- is a day that I will never forget. I was so happy, and very thankful! Also, the day my varsity baseball team won their Sub-Section championship in the playoffs- is a day I’ll always cherish indeed.
What advice would you give a new teacher?
I would tell a ‘brand new teacher,’ to always keep their head up- for as many bad days that you might have in the near future- you will also have many awesome weeks, and ones that make you sincerely glad to be a positive influence in the life of a child. Just to have that opportunity is a blessing to be thankful for.
What will you miss most about teaching in Rockford?
I will miss the camaraderie I had with so many staff member here, in all three buildings. I still stay in touch with faculty that have retired, for it’s always fun to keep in contact with wonderful human beings- as so many here were. I will also miss the kids of course, for as challenging as they can be at times- they also can warm your heart in so many ways!
Family
I have two adult daughters now- Paula & Michelle. Paula is living in Shoreview, working full-time, and has two children- Sofia & Logan. They are wonderful grandchildren for me, and I’m lucky to have them in my life! Michelle is currently working full-time in Bismarck, ND- and really likes her job there. She has a boyfriend, and a cat named ‘Athena,’ and is doing just fine. I do miss her though- as Bismarck is 6 hrs. away! Lastly, unfortunately my beloved wife Josie passed away a few years ago- and there hasn’t been a single day gone by yet- where I haven’t missed her more than you can imagine. The pain never really goes away- sadly.
What are your plans when you retire?
When I retire, I plan to do a lot more golfing (yay), and spend some more valued time with my daughters. I worked overseas for 10 years also, so the ‘travel bug’ really doesn’t entice me all that much now- for I have been there and done that- many times. I also plan to volunteer at places that are in need- and don’t have all the common things that we have- and try and pass on the Lord’s word as much as I can, to whoever will listen to his graceful words- that we all need so much in our everyday lives!
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