Sauk Prairie School District retirees, part II

By Ellen Paul   Joel Chrisler   Joel Chrisler, who is retiring from Sauk Prairie High School as a history/social studies teacher, grew up on a farm on Hwy 188 in the township of West Point but considers Sauk Prairie as his hometown. He graduated from Sauk Prairie High School in 1985. After high school, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education (Broadfield Social Studies, History, Political Science and Economics) from UW-Whitewater and his Masters of Arts in Education from St. Mary’s University. He also earned his graduate certificate in Athletic Administration from American Public University. Chrisler’s 33-year teaching career was entirely in the Sauk Prairie School District. “I have been part of the Social Studies Department at the high School (3 years I was shared with the middle school). Courses I taught were Consumer Economics, US History, Political Science, Sociology, and Career Awareness. I coached football, basketball, track, wrestling and strength training as well.”  “The most difficult part of my job, ironically, is also the most rewarding part of my job: keeping my curriculum current with the best practices available. People say history doesn’t change, but the way you deliver the material does. Helping students to think more critically through materials and technology is always changing. This means your curriculum has to adapt as well. In my Consumer Economics class, personal finance is always changing. Switching my emphasis from paper documents like bank statements and checks to on-line banking and apps was a challenge but essential. Even though it took a lot of time and effort knowing I was leaving my students with the most up-to-date materials has been the most important part of my career. Hearing students and alumni thank me for the information I provided them with has made it all worth it.” When asked what have been the biggest changes in education he replied, “I think my overall view is that changes to education come and go. If we wait long enough trends re-emerge with new names only to be cast aside for the best practices that are tried and true. I do feel, however, the biggest change in education is the awareness of mental health of our students. Covid had a lot to do with it, but the overall realization that what students are experiencing outside of school truly has an impact on their ability to succeed. We are taking great steps in mental health and are providing students with positive tools and skills to deal with it. My only hope is that we don’t forget about teachers as well. Their health and well-being is critical. We continually expect them to take on more roles beyond their training. My hope is that this is recognized and re-examined. Asking too much of a teacher beyond their specialty can be detrimental.”  “The biggest memory I will cherish is the fact that I got to live out my childhood dream. I always wanted to teach and coach in Sauk Prairie. When people say “I’m living the dream” I can honestly say I have. Beginning my career with mentors like Mike Sorge, Roger Moe, Wayne Bruno and Dan Reierson was invaluable. I have cherished the fact that I got to work with and teach my daughters and my 20+ nieces and nephews. I had the opportunity to teach and coach some of the best students and athletes a person could ask for. I was able to pass on my love of history, financial literacy and life to over 10,000 students. That’s a pretty good ‘career’!” Joel Chrisler’s ‘words of wisdom’ to his fellow colleagues is, “Never lose sight of the fact that this career is all about building relationships with your students. You will never realize what a friendly word, a compliment, or even a challenge, will leave with the students you interact with. YOU are the difference maker in their lives. Never take that role for granted.”   Jane Spillane   Jane Spillane, a general music teacher at Bridges Elementary in the Sauk Prairie School District, has retired She also taught general music at SPSD elementary schools Grand Avenue and the former Spruce Street School (now closed).  Spillane also taught in Junction City, Oshkosh, Reedsburg, Sauk City (St. Al’s) and taught 32 years of private piano and guitar lessons in those communities. She said, “One of my worst guitar students became my husband. Rod!” Jane grew up in Marshfield and attended Columbus High School. She earned her degree in General Music Education at UW-Stevens Point. The biggest changes in teaching?  “Technology (albums to cassettes to CDs to Chromebooks, IPads and Bluetooth). You CAN teach an old dog new tricks!” “Our expectations of students’ ability to handle themselves in tough circumstances has changed. We saw them as more capable and expected responsible actions decades ago. In my experience, when we raise the bar, most of them are able to meet those challenges with love and grace on our parts.” Memories she will cherish are: “Teaching music outside during Covid hare some of my best memories, like the bird that would sing on the lamp post only when I played guitar, drumming on buckets, children learning what a street cleaner or corn picker is as it drives past, and dancing on the sidewalk. Also, each concert has its special memories of faces and voices reflecting the joy and fruit of hard work!” Words of wisdom” Jane would like to give to her colleagues not retiring are, “Seasoned teachers, keep doing what you do best! You are making a difference in each life that comes through your door.  New teachers, thank you for choosing to be an educator.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help or ideas from colleagues that have been doing this a long time. No one expects you to know everything and there may be many creative and simple things that can make your experience more enjoyable and effective.” Final thoughts as she retires are, “What joy it has been to watch our students engage in music from kindergarten through to graduation! Thank you to the Sauk Prairie Community and SPSD Administration for being supportive. I am grateful.”    Judy Ederer   Sauk Prairie School District retiree Judy Ederer was born in Marshfield and attended school there through 2nd grade. Then they moved to Mazomanie where she went to 3rd and 4th grade. Finally, the family moved to Sauk City where she graduated from Sauk Prairie High School.  “I started my career with Sauk Prairie Schools at the Community Education Center where I worked with the Community Education Program and Summer School.  After 12 Summer Schools, I transferred to the District Office as Receptionist and Accounts Payable and moved into my current position as Student Services Administrative Assistant for the last seven years,” Judy explained. Memories she will cherish are “All of the great people I have had a chance to work with who work so hard for kids.” She warns her colleagues, “This work can be very emotionally draining...take time to take care of you.”   Bennet West   Bennett West, a 2023 SPSD retiree and SPHS Social Studies teacher, was born in Summit, New Jersey. His undergraduate degree was from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, his BA in Education from UW Madison and his Masters in Technology in Education from Lesley University. Prior to Sauk Prairie he worked at Dorian International in Export Management in White Plains, New York. Besides teaching Social Studies from 2010-23, he taught German from 1993-2010 and he was the Yearbook Instructor (2001-2023,) Soccer Coach (1993-1996) and Lacrosse Coach (2006-2022). The biggest changes in education in his tenure at SPHS is computers. Memories he will cherish are “Leading students on trips to Germany to visit our Partner School and winning State Championships in Lacrosse in 2011 and 2017.” When asked what he will miss most about teaching he replied,” I’ll miss snow days! Just kidding, sort of.  I’ll also miss the routine of teaching – of planning a good lesson, delivering it successfully and sensing students become more knowledgeable and more skilled as a result. I’ll miss colleagues who share a love of working with kids, and I’ll miss being around teenagers and learning from them.”   Craig Johnson   Retiree Craig Johnson, SPSD courier and custodian was born in Cumberland, WI and graduated from Sauk Prairie High School. He attended Madison Area Technical College and earned his degree in Welding. He worked as a welder for over 20 years with employers such as Varco-Pruden, The Kraemer Company, and Alter Trading Company before working at the school district, He loved all aspects of his job “although waking up at odd hours to plow snow was not always easy!”  “It’s been wonderful to see the school district grow into our new buildings and spaces,” he said in summary.