MMSD Today asked a few retirees to reflect on their careers in education. These short reflections are from:

• Sharon Koenig, Special Education assistant, Cherokee
• David Michaelis, math teacher, East
• Jerry Tollefson, principal, Falk

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By Sharon Koenig, Special Education assistant, Cherokee Middle School

I came to MMSD 16 years ago when I needed a job with the same hours as my grade school children. After working 19 years at a local bank in real estate lending, I had no idea what I was getting into when accepting a job as an SEA in the 8th grade at Cherokee Middle School. I adjusted well and it was halfway through the year before I realized I was one of the shortest "eighth graders" and could not even see into the classroom door windows. I learned many things during my years working with 8th graders. First, I was surprised more than once to realize there are no boundaries to personal questions students ask you. Second, there is not a Special Education mold that students fit into. I have never seen two students with the same learning or behavior styles.

I found the biggest difference between schools and business is that children are a school's focus and money a business' focus. I felt my goal was to help our children become productive and capable members of our society. It was hard for me to acknowledge the situations when students I really cared about failed themselves and their dreams.

I thoroughly enjoyed my 16 years at Cherokee. It has given me a perspective on life that I would not trade for anything.

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By David Michaelis, math teacher, East High School

Many staff have asked about my feelings regarding my retirement. The overwhelming feeling is pure excitement. It is that feeling of starting a new chapter in my life. It is comparable to that snapshot in time of my wedding day or when my children were born. A period of pure excitement! I am among the group of fortunate past retirees who leave with an upbeat attitude.

As I reflect upon the numerous changes in the school district, I count my blessing for the opportunity to work in Madison. As a department chairman, I sat through countless interviews of people imploring the committee to hire them into the Madison system.

I started teaching Math at a junior high, then middle school and finally high school, all in Madison.

I have seen numerous changes. The two greatest were the district's move to "middle schools" and the district's current goals to "improve both reading and math skills". It is definitely time for this school district to demand a goal that, "No student leaves elementary school behind in reading"! I don't know one dedicated middle or high school teacher who won't be willing to give up a slice of their program if they knew the students coming to them could definitely read. Additionally, there was a loss when the district disbanded the East/West Math Articulation Committees. Our monthly meetings included valued mathematics discussion among K-12 staff.

Instead of reflecting upon my personal achievements, I would rather end by including two goals I instituted throughout my career. Always enter your classroom by believing "today, I am going to be the best teacher I can be" and secondly, take time to reach back and give a helping hand to one of your fellow teachers.

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By Jerry Tollefson, principal, Falk Elementary School

At the beginning of this school year, I took time to reflect on my 11 years as a teacher and 23 years as an elementary school principal. When adding in my own schooling, I calculated that the 2005-2006 school year would be my 50th consecutive year returning to school in the fall as a student, teacher, or principal. After some careful thought and family discussion, I decided it would be my last.

I have had the privilege and honor to serve in 10 different schools, 5 school districts and 2 states in rural, suburban, as well as urban settings. I have teamed with many great teachers to help students of many and varied backgrounds — diverse academically, economically, and by race and culture. Changing jobs over the years has made my career much richer, increasing the opportunities, meeting more people, and growing more as a person and educator.

I believe in public education now more than ever. It is public education that is the very backbone of our nation. We reach out to every single child and try to make a difference. I hope for a day when school districts are not looking for ways to reduce programming and services to our children.

I have been on the inside of public schools for a long time and have had the privilege to witness daily the magic in the classrooms, the "aha" moments, the smiles, and seeing children grow from dependent to independent learners.

I am deeply grateful to all the great educators, parents, and children for allowing me to be a learning partner with them for these many years.