Once Students And Now The Teachers

“I can’t imagine teaching or raising my children anywhere else,” emphasized Britton-Hecla English teacher Jenna Peters. Peters said this when discussing why she chose to teach in the school district she graduated from 20 years ago. She and many others in the district are part of a noteworthy trend of Britton and Britton-Hecla graduates who have returned to the area as educators.

Presently in the district, fifteen teachers are Britton or Britton-Hecla graduates. In addition to the certified staff, several more paraeducators are alumni, and many more teachers on top of that are married to B/B-H graduates. Ahead of National Teacher Appreciation Week next week, it is a good time to take a look at these homegrown educators and explore what brought them back to their roots.

In the midst of concerning national and statewide teacher shortages, it is impressive that Britton-Hecla is bringing back its own folks to fill the educational needs of the area. Superintendent Steve Benson commented on this trend: “Usually when somebody wants to be in education and comes back ‘home,’ it says two things- They had a good experience while they were in school. And they have a good relationship with the community.”

These sentiments are repeated over and over by the teachers themselves who have returned to Britton-Hecla. Several teachers also commented that their fellow staff members have created a family- like environment that is wonderfully conducive to learning.

A 2003 B-H grad and the vocal music teacher, Holli (Hagen) Medhaug, has been back in the area for six years after teaching in the Sioux Falls district for five years. Regarding her move back, she explained the desire to be close to family and raise her own children here. She also commented on the closeness of the district, “We as a staff view all the students as if they are our own children. We genuinely care about their wellbeing and want them to succeed.”

Other come-back educators note their appreciation for the small school feel that fosters this family-like environment. Principal Carrie (Bosse) James was a 1995 Britton grad. She stated, “Maybe because I have been a part of this school for so long, but our school has a family feel to it. We are located in a small progressive community that is very supportive of the school. For a school our size, we offer many great opportunities for students in both academics and athletics. Probably my most favorite part though is all of the amazing people that I get to work with and see every day!”

Many enjoy that connection they get with students. Kelly (Bosse) Mills, a 1997 grad, noted, “I love the smaller class sizes. As a teacher, I’m able to spend more time getting to know each of my students and can better help them.” 1983 Britton graduate, Gretchen (Tisher) Christenson agreed, saying, “We’re small enough to be personal, but large enough to offer many options in terms of classes and extracurriculars.”

The current staff enjoys the programs they get to help offer. Sara (Fisher) Jensen, an ’88 grad, explained after recently obtaining her certification to teach Family and Consumer Sciences she was able to build that program here at B-H. Plus, she loves her classroom fitted with sewing machines and a kitchen lab.

A relatively recent B-H graduate who finished up in 2015, Hailey (Aldentaler) Stiegelmeier enjoys working with the very teachers who once taught her. “I love the relationships that the teachers create with their students here. Having been a student to some of the teachers here and to have our relationships very easily evolve from teacher/ student to a colleague relationship proves that the teachers here have made and continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of their students.”

2007 B-H grad and now kindergarten teacher Kaitlyn (Roehr) Sasker agreed, “I think our staff is what really makes the school a special workplace for me. As a former BH student and now teacher here, a few of my own teachers are my coworkers now, and people I went to school with are coworkers too. When you add in all the teachers that have moved into the district, we have a great blend of staff who are kind, caring, and work hard for our students.”

Comments about how much they love their fellow staff members abounded among B/ B-H grads now teaching here. A 1997 grad, Jennifer (Eye) Vrchota said, “Mrs. Kyla Richter is an AWESOME administrator, and I truly enjoy working with my colleagues. They are a fun and caring group of people. We also have great kids and supportive parents.” Mills added, “We have an incredibly caring staff. I can’t think of one teacher, administrator, or staff member who doesn’t have our kids’ best interests at heart. That’s pretty special!”

Additionally, many love the community. Sheila (Sckerl) Anderson, an ’89 BHS grad, who is only the third school counselor in district history, said, “In addition to our wonderful staff and the best kids ever, we also have a supportive community.

Whether they enjoy the students, their fellow educators, the community or all of that combined, the district’s administrators feel fortunate having all the alumni on staff. “I love it,” said Supt. Benson. “I hope we get more graduates working here because we will need them down the road.”

Paula (Kadoun) Hanson who teaches in the elementary, is a 1994 Britton grad. She summed up the overall sentiments of most of the staff. “I think B-H has the package deal. We have incredible communities that fully support our school, the school staff is outstanding, we have great parents to work with, and I have the privilege of working with amazing students. Our staff works together to help make our school the best school possible.”

Many people gathered on a sunny Saturday in Britton for the Third Annual 5K Run/Walk put on by the Pass It On Foundation. Pictured, everyone finished out the event with the moving “Courage Lap” that is led by Trevor Zuehlke and his team. Around 140 people took part in the 5K and over $5,500 was raised. All funds go to the foundation which in turn gives it back to local community activities. The foundation has donated basketballs and books to school kids in the past year.