retiring teachers: in their own words
Gail Ellenberger; looking forward to travel and time with family
Gail Ellenberger teaches business education. She graduated from Middleton High School, UW-Eau Claire for Business Education, and UW-Whitewater for her Master’s Degree in Business Education. She has 35 years of teaching: 34 at Craig, one semester at Marshall, and one semester at Parker.
What are your fondest memories of teaching at Craig?
A rewarding feeling is seeing my students after they have graduated and hearing that they were happy they took one of my classes because it helped them in their college class or on the job. Since I have been teaching in Janesville for 35 years, everywhere I go, I see former students! For the last few years, I have had many sons and daughters of my former students! It’s rewarding to be a part of their lives.
What are you most proud of in your teaching career?
When I taught at Marshall Middle School (downtown), the principal wanted me to teach a computer/keyboarding class. We called it the “Apple Orchard” because the students learned on Apple IIe computers. I had to get students to be in this class by going to the study halls and ask students if they wanted to work on computers! Since then, In the Business department, our technology continually changed over the years. Learning new programs, preparing students for the real world, and updating assignments/activities was an ongoing part of my job.
What has been the best thing about being a teacher?
The best thing about being a teacher is being with the students! High school students are creative, fun, and have great ideas! It’s easier to stay “young” when surrounded by young minds!
What words of wisdom do you have for your students and for your fellow teachers?
Learn what you can from every situation. Enjoy your time. Don’t worry about the little things because life changes quickly. Be calm even when things aren’t going your way. It will get better!
What were some of the values that guided you in your work with students?
I am a hard worker and I use my time wisely. I have always liked to create new and pertinent activities for my students. I will actually miss that! I will probably be thinking next fall--”Oh, I could turn that information/news into an activity for my students!”
What is next for you? How will you spend your retirement?
I am looking forward to doing whatever I want!! I’m looking forward to getting up when I want, leisurely drinking my coffee on my screened porch, and then deciding what I want to do each day! I will spend time with my daughter, Amanda and their 1-year old twin girls--Nora and Adeline (who live close by). My husband and I will be able to travel when we want. One place we will go right away is Denver where our other daughter, Lindsey just moved to begin her career in Behavior Analysis and Therapy. We love the mountains! I’ll also be able to spend time with my mom and at our cottage up north. We’ll also be spending time in Chicago with our other 3 grandchildren.
What will you miss most about Craig?
The students and my coworkers!
What are your fondest memories of teaching at Craig?
A rewarding feeling is seeing my students after they have graduated and hearing that they were happy they took one of my classes because it helped them in their college class or on the job. Since I have been teaching in Janesville for 35 years, everywhere I go, I see former students! For the last few years, I have had many sons and daughters of my former students! It’s rewarding to be a part of their lives.
What are you most proud of in your teaching career?
When I taught at Marshall Middle School (downtown), the principal wanted me to teach a computer/keyboarding class. We called it the “Apple Orchard” because the students learned on Apple IIe computers. I had to get students to be in this class by going to the study halls and ask students if they wanted to work on computers! Since then, In the Business department, our technology continually changed over the years. Learning new programs, preparing students for the real world, and updating assignments/activities was an ongoing part of my job.
What has been the best thing about being a teacher?
The best thing about being a teacher is being with the students! High school students are creative, fun, and have great ideas! It’s easier to stay “young” when surrounded by young minds!
What words of wisdom do you have for your students and for your fellow teachers?
Learn what you can from every situation. Enjoy your time. Don’t worry about the little things because life changes quickly. Be calm even when things aren’t going your way. It will get better!
What were some of the values that guided you in your work with students?
I am a hard worker and I use my time wisely. I have always liked to create new and pertinent activities for my students. I will actually miss that! I will probably be thinking next fall--”Oh, I could turn that information/news into an activity for my students!”
What is next for you? How will you spend your retirement?
I am looking forward to doing whatever I want!! I’m looking forward to getting up when I want, leisurely drinking my coffee on my screened porch, and then deciding what I want to do each day! I will spend time with my daughter, Amanda and their 1-year old twin girls--Nora and Adeline (who live close by). My husband and I will be able to travel when we want. One place we will go right away is Denver where our other daughter, Lindsey just moved to begin her career in Behavior Analysis and Therapy. We love the mountains! I’ll also be able to spend time with my mom and at our cottage up north. We’ll also be spending time in Chicago with our other 3 grandchildren.
What will you miss most about Craig?
The students and my coworkers!
Kevin Knoll: Relaxing under the palm trees and hanging with the tortugas
Kevin Knoll is a teacher of Spanish in the world language department. He graduated from
Winona (Minn.) Senior High School and attended the College of Saint Teresa in Winona, Winona State University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has taught for 30 years, 18 of those at Craig High School.
What are your fondest memories of teaching at Craig?
Attending graduation, and seeing students successfully complete their journey here.
What are you most proud of in your teaching career?
I am proud to have made a difference in the lives of my students.
What has been the best thing about being a teacher?
As a teacher, I feel that I have made a lifelong positive impact on students in many ways; from giving them advice on career choices, as well as advice I offered them on their direction in life.
What have been some of the most significant changes have you seen in your years as a teacher (society, technology, students, etc.)?
One of the biggest changes for me has been the development of technology. When I first began teaching, communication was by landline telephones, and the Apple II E was the computer of the day. When I would show a movie, we had to use a 16mm reel-to-reel projector. There is one of those in the technology wing of our building in a showcase.
What words of wisdom do you have for your students and for your fellow teachers?
I would offer a few suggestions. First, fake it ‘til you make it. Meaning, keep going, and be positive always, and have great dedication. When you do those things, and especially when you are positive, you will get the best results always. Secondly, take the time to help those around you. Truly care about others and do for them from your heart, and just because. It will bring much good to your life.
What were some of the values that guided you in your work with students?
Dedication, positivity, care, hard work and respect.
What is next for you? How will you spend your retirement?
I am planning to continue teaching in a private school somewhere in Wisconsin. During my free time, I will go metal detecting, travel, continue my dedication to Spanish, and finally, I plan to take it easy under the palm trees somewhere warm, just hanging out with the Tortugas (turtles - one of my favorite animals!)
What will you miss most about Craig?
I will miss my students and of course my coworkers.
Winona (Minn.) Senior High School and attended the College of Saint Teresa in Winona, Winona State University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has taught for 30 years, 18 of those at Craig High School.
What are your fondest memories of teaching at Craig?
Attending graduation, and seeing students successfully complete their journey here.
What are you most proud of in your teaching career?
I am proud to have made a difference in the lives of my students.
What has been the best thing about being a teacher?
As a teacher, I feel that I have made a lifelong positive impact on students in many ways; from giving them advice on career choices, as well as advice I offered them on their direction in life.
What have been some of the most significant changes have you seen in your years as a teacher (society, technology, students, etc.)?
One of the biggest changes for me has been the development of technology. When I first began teaching, communication was by landline telephones, and the Apple II E was the computer of the day. When I would show a movie, we had to use a 16mm reel-to-reel projector. There is one of those in the technology wing of our building in a showcase.
What words of wisdom do you have for your students and for your fellow teachers?
I would offer a few suggestions. First, fake it ‘til you make it. Meaning, keep going, and be positive always, and have great dedication. When you do those things, and especially when you are positive, you will get the best results always. Secondly, take the time to help those around you. Truly care about others and do for them from your heart, and just because. It will bring much good to your life.
What were some of the values that guided you in your work with students?
Dedication, positivity, care, hard work and respect.
What is next for you? How will you spend your retirement?
I am planning to continue teaching in a private school somewhere in Wisconsin. During my free time, I will go metal detecting, travel, continue my dedication to Spanish, and finally, I plan to take it easy under the palm trees somewhere warm, just hanging out with the Tortugas (turtles - one of my favorite animals!)
What will you miss most about Craig?
I will miss my students and of course my coworkers.
Jeff adams: looking forward to golf and family
Jeff Adams is a teacher of physical education. He is a Craig alum who graduated in 1978. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1983 and his masters in education from UW-Whitewater in 1988. He has taught for 34 years, about 15 of those at Craig
What are your fondest memories of teaching at Craig?
I have so many great memories of Craig that it is hard to pick. I have met so many great kids and great staff members over the years.
What are you most proud of in your teaching career?
I am very proud to teach at my alma mater. Coaching-wise, when I coached football here back in the 1990’s, we had an All-Conference player selected every year at my position.
What has been the best thing about being a teacher?
The best part has been to watch young, goofy kids grow and develop into mature young adults and eventually seeing them as successful parents and leaders in their communities.
What have been some of the most significant changes have you seen in your years as a teacher (society, technology, students, etc.)?
I grew up in a Yes Sir / No Sir culture, and things are way different these days. Technology is replacing some basic knowledge and skills. Students have way more freedoms, opportunities, and more control of their education than ever. I also wish kids would curse less. It makes you sound less intelligent.
What words of wisdom do you have for your students and for your fellow teachers?
One, don’t be afraid to be a leader. I know it is difficult, but the attitude of “Don’t be a Try-Hard” is ridiculous. You won’t succeed if you don’t try hard. Two, be resilient and do not let your failures define you. Be stubborn and keep fighting. Three, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. That’s what friends are for. Four, surround yourself with good people. It is hard to fly like an eagle when you hang around with turkeys!
What were some of the values that guided you in your work with students?
I never wanted to be easy, but I always wanted to be fair and not play favorites. I aimed to challenge students to get out of their comfort zone, do things they did not want to do, and do things that they did not imagine they could do.
What is next for you? How will you spend your retirement?
Play some golf. Visit some relatives out of town. Enjoy some beautiful Fall days outside. Like my fellow retirees, I’ve been going to school for over 50 years. September will be interesting.
What will you miss most about Craig?
Tough call. All of it: the students, my coworkers, coaching, the events.
What are your fondest memories of teaching at Craig?
I have so many great memories of Craig that it is hard to pick. I have met so many great kids and great staff members over the years.
What are you most proud of in your teaching career?
I am very proud to teach at my alma mater. Coaching-wise, when I coached football here back in the 1990’s, we had an All-Conference player selected every year at my position.
What has been the best thing about being a teacher?
The best part has been to watch young, goofy kids grow and develop into mature young adults and eventually seeing them as successful parents and leaders in their communities.
What have been some of the most significant changes have you seen in your years as a teacher (society, technology, students, etc.)?
I grew up in a Yes Sir / No Sir culture, and things are way different these days. Technology is replacing some basic knowledge and skills. Students have way more freedoms, opportunities, and more control of their education than ever. I also wish kids would curse less. It makes you sound less intelligent.
What words of wisdom do you have for your students and for your fellow teachers?
One, don’t be afraid to be a leader. I know it is difficult, but the attitude of “Don’t be a Try-Hard” is ridiculous. You won’t succeed if you don’t try hard. Two, be resilient and do not let your failures define you. Be stubborn and keep fighting. Three, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. That’s what friends are for. Four, surround yourself with good people. It is hard to fly like an eagle when you hang around with turkeys!
What were some of the values that guided you in your work with students?
I never wanted to be easy, but I always wanted to be fair and not play favorites. I aimed to challenge students to get out of their comfort zone, do things they did not want to do, and do things that they did not imagine they could do.
What is next for you? How will you spend your retirement?
Play some golf. Visit some relatives out of town. Enjoy some beautiful Fall days outside. Like my fellow retirees, I’ve been going to school for over 50 years. September will be interesting.
What will you miss most about Craig?
Tough call. All of it: the students, my coworkers, coaching, the events.
Linda Tralmer: Looking forward to new orleans and Europe
Linda Tralmer is a teacher of French in the world language department. Like Mr. Adams, she is is a Craig alum who graduated in 1977. She graduated from UW-Madison in 1982. She has taught for 21 years, 12 of those at Craig.
What are your fondest memories of teaching at Craig?
I have so many fond memories. I loved getting to know students because they each have their own personal story, background and experiences. After having taught French I at the middle school, it was fun to teach that here, along with the upper levels where students could do more with the language. I had many of the same students from year to year, so it was great to see how they changed as they became older.
What are you most proud of in your teaching career?
I am so proud to have taught such amazing students. I so admire their intelligence, talents and their compassion for others. I am also so proud of the resilient students who overcame obstacles and adversity outside of school, but managed to succeed in school. I have met so many students who have and will make this a better world. I am proud to have been asked to be a part of the first group of students in Circles of Support four years ago. I was able to work students that I would not have met otherwise. We worked together since their freshman year. What a thrill for me to watch them walk across the stage at graduation.
What has been the best thing about being a teacher?
It is such a rewarding career. I feel lucky to have enjoyed the camaraderie of the Craig staff. I also have loved that every day is different. I put my heart into teaching and have received so much in return. I have learned so much from administrators, colleagues, parents and especially from students.
What have been some of the most significant changes have you seen in your years as a teacher (society, technology, students, etc.)?
I did not know how to turn on a computer when I began teaching. All of my materials were handwritten, and my students all know that I do not have neat handwriting. We did not have a computer at home either. I gradually learned, but I am amazed at how technology has developed during the span of my career.
What words of wisdom do you have for your students and for your fellow teachers?
I have a quote that I love that is similar to one by Theodore Roosevelt and a favorite of Dr. Michael Kuehne, my first principal. That quote reads: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” My favorite quote is “Do all the good you can, for all the people you can, in all the ways you can, as long as ever you can.”
What were some of the values that guided you in your work with students?
I have always tried to see the best in people and to always treat everyone with respect.
What is next for you? How will you spend your retirement?
I am taking a trip to New Orleans with my two sisters in the fall. It is the first time we have taken a trip together. My husband and I plan to spend a few weeks in a warmer climate during the winter months. We also have been saving for a trip to Europe. I would like to spend time gardening and have recently started to love cooking. I am anxious to spend more time with my family, which includes four children, their spouses and nine beautiful grandchildren.
What will you miss most about Craig?
The students
What are your fondest memories of teaching at Craig?
I have so many fond memories. I loved getting to know students because they each have their own personal story, background and experiences. After having taught French I at the middle school, it was fun to teach that here, along with the upper levels where students could do more with the language. I had many of the same students from year to year, so it was great to see how they changed as they became older.
What are you most proud of in your teaching career?
I am so proud to have taught such amazing students. I so admire their intelligence, talents and their compassion for others. I am also so proud of the resilient students who overcame obstacles and adversity outside of school, but managed to succeed in school. I have met so many students who have and will make this a better world. I am proud to have been asked to be a part of the first group of students in Circles of Support four years ago. I was able to work students that I would not have met otherwise. We worked together since their freshman year. What a thrill for me to watch them walk across the stage at graduation.
What has been the best thing about being a teacher?
It is such a rewarding career. I feel lucky to have enjoyed the camaraderie of the Craig staff. I also have loved that every day is different. I put my heart into teaching and have received so much in return. I have learned so much from administrators, colleagues, parents and especially from students.
What have been some of the most significant changes have you seen in your years as a teacher (society, technology, students, etc.)?
I did not know how to turn on a computer when I began teaching. All of my materials were handwritten, and my students all know that I do not have neat handwriting. We did not have a computer at home either. I gradually learned, but I am amazed at how technology has developed during the span of my career.
What words of wisdom do you have for your students and for your fellow teachers?
I have a quote that I love that is similar to one by Theodore Roosevelt and a favorite of Dr. Michael Kuehne, my first principal. That quote reads: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” My favorite quote is “Do all the good you can, for all the people you can, in all the ways you can, as long as ever you can.”
What were some of the values that guided you in your work with students?
I have always tried to see the best in people and to always treat everyone with respect.
What is next for you? How will you spend your retirement?
I am taking a trip to New Orleans with my two sisters in the fall. It is the first time we have taken a trip together. My husband and I plan to spend a few weeks in a warmer climate during the winter months. We also have been saving for a trip to Europe. I would like to spend time gardening and have recently started to love cooking. I am anxious to spend more time with my family, which includes four children, their spouses and nine beautiful grandchildren.
What will you miss most about Craig?
The students
Lorri barry: passion for art will continue
Lori Barry is a teacher of art. She graduated from Janesville Parker and UW-Madison. She has taught for 26 years, 20 of those at Craig.
What are your fondest memories of teaching at Craig?
The open arms and the community that Craig gives to staff Members and students
What are you most proud of in your teaching career?
The wonderful art related careers that my students have stepped into and come back and shared with me
What has been the best thing about being a teacher?
The yearly relationships that are created with each new class and the growth that I see in my students, both as artists and mature people
What words of wisdom do you have for your students and for your fellow teachers?
Students need to believe in themselves, and teachers need to remember that even when a student is the most challenging, that’s where you are making the biggest differences in some of their lives.
What were some of the values that guided you in your work with students?
My parents’ values, both teachers, were probably my strongest roots in my core beliefs. Set good examples, mirror the behavior you wish to see and be respectful of others’ differences.
What is next for you? How will you spend your retirement?
A lot more time at our Michigan home. Getting involved in art communities. Creating my own art and possibly writing and illustrating children’s books.
What will you miss most about Craig?
The students
What are your fondest memories of teaching at Craig?
The open arms and the community that Craig gives to staff Members and students
What are you most proud of in your teaching career?
The wonderful art related careers that my students have stepped into and come back and shared with me
What has been the best thing about being a teacher?
The yearly relationships that are created with each new class and the growth that I see in my students, both as artists and mature people
What words of wisdom do you have for your students and for your fellow teachers?
Students need to believe in themselves, and teachers need to remember that even when a student is the most challenging, that’s where you are making the biggest differences in some of their lives.
What were some of the values that guided you in your work with students?
My parents’ values, both teachers, were probably my strongest roots in my core beliefs. Set good examples, mirror the behavior you wish to see and be respectful of others’ differences.
What is next for you? How will you spend your retirement?
A lot more time at our Michigan home. Getting involved in art communities. Creating my own art and possibly writing and illustrating children’s books.
What will you miss most about Craig?
The students