The Her Voice staff reached out to Yankton public and private schools as well as the Vermillion public and private schools to see if their staff members with 30 or more years of teaching or working in their respective school systems were willing to share their story.
Below is a compilation of the questionnaires that we received back. They are informative, entertaining and heartfelt, enjoy.
Robin Brooks
Hometown: Pickstown/Lake Andes, SD
Education: Masters Degree in Education from University of South Dakota
Title/School Currently Teaching at: 3rd grade teacher, Webster Elementary
Years I have been teaching: 32, (but it only seems like about 7 or 8)
Family: My husband, Doug, and I have a son, Curtis, married to Renae, and a daughter, Carrie, married to Matt Kranz. They each have two sons so we are the lucky grandparents of 4 boys!
Growing up I wanted to be: A postal worker because I had pen pals in California and Germany. I was curious about the mail system.
First job: Tour guide at the Ft. Randall Powerhouse
Prized possession: My family
Best book I’ve read recently: The One and Only Ivan
Favorite author: Any author that writes so well that my students can’t wait for ‘read aloud’ time. It’s our favorite time of the school day. I’ll go to the shelf for any book written by: Sharon Creech, Katherine Applegate, Kate DiCamillo, or Ann M. Martin.
Hobbies: Gardening and camping
Pet peeve: Papers turned in without names on them.
Three words that best describe me: Loyal, reliable, patient
Why I chose teaching as a career: My sister was an inspiration. Our extended family has several educators so school is part of our “fiber.”
Greatest thing that has changed about teaching since I started is: The changes in society have made many adaptations necessary in school.
Technology has affected teaching by: making it very apparent that the teacher is a guide and facilitator. We used to teach research skills using a set of encyclopedias. Now the students are infinitely aware that the web holds a vast pool of knowledge, and their job is to use it wisely.
Name one thing you wish parents would do more: Spend one to one time with each of their children daily ~ playing games, talking, reading.
My favorite teacher was: Dr. Eicher, my math professor at college.
People would be surprised to know I: I was once an X-ray technician
I’m proud that: I started as an X-ray technician and then went back to college for elementary education while we were raising our family. Those were years of skilled budgeting of time and finances, as well as being new parents. With my husband’s wholehearted support, I succeeded and it was a great career change for me.
My most embarrassing moment in teaching was: While deciding to inspire a group of kids to play hopscotch like I had done in grade school..... At recess, I threw the stone to the “3” box and proceeded to hop on one foot past the first two boxes with style. I shouldn’t have been so “stylish” though as I was flat on my face by the time I got to “4.” The 3rd graders were stunned, and sadly hopscotch didn’t become popular that year.
The most interesting place I’ve traveled to: Our cruise in Alaska, including the land tour of Denali.
I’d like to have a dollar for every time a student: celebrated a birthday. I think I’ve sung “Happy Birthday” in my classroom 900 times!
Future goal: To keep learning.
The best thing about my job is: working in a very positive, supportive environment. We are all here to learn and succeed together, staff and students alike.
Additional comments: Every day is a gift and I look forward to going to school each day!
Beth Kaltsulas
Hometown: Vermillion, SD
Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Master of Arts in Elementary Education with a Middle School Endorsement
Title/School Currently Teaching at: 6th Grade Math at Yankton Middle School
Years I have been teaching: 30
Family: Husband, Tom and 2 sons: Neil and his wife, Maggie, and Thad
Growing up I wanted to be: Teacher or Accountant
First job: Walking beans and detasseling corn for my Dad and babysitting my 9 younger siblings
Prized possession: My family
All-time favorite movie: Last of the Mohicans
Best book I’ve read recently: The Light Between Oceans
Favorite author: Nicholas Sparks
Hobbies: Walking, reading, stitching, quilting, camping
Three words that best describe me: Responsible, accountable, and happy
Why I chose teaching as a career: Teaching just came naturally because I was the oldest of 10 kids; my parents encouraged us older children to show or teach the younger siblings how to do things. 4-H and church were other experiences where I was asked to teach.
Greatest thing that has changed about teaching since I started is: technology.
Technology has affected teaching by: better connecting my students with the world and making math classes interactive in different ways.
My favorite teacher was: Too many to list...
People would be surprised to know I: have zip-lined in Jamaica, I was high school homecoming queen, and I was a 10-year 4-Her.
I’m proud that: our 6th graders work hard to learn math concepts, show compassion for the fellow classmates, and work to be responsible every day.
The most interesting place I’ve traveled to: Washington D.C.
Future goal: Continue and keep up with the latest technology.
The best thing about my job is: witnessing the joy when my students learn something new.
Jayne Taylor
Hometown: Hastings, NE
Education: BA from University of Florida
Title/School Currently Teaching at: 3rd Grade Teacher at St. Agnes
Years I have been teaching: 31
Family: My husband, Rick, and I have been married for 41 years. We have three children who live in Vermillion, Storm Lake, IA, and Vail, CO, and we have
7 grandchildren.
Growing up I wanted to be: a teacher.
First job: I worked at a children’s day facility for developmentally and physically challenged children during my high school years.
Prized possession: My family
All-time favorite movie: So many to choose from: Ghandi, An Affair to Remember, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken
Best movie I’ve seen recently: The Long, Long Trailer
Best book I’ve read recently: Land of the Burnt Thigh
Favorite author: Willa Cather
Hobbies: Reading, embroidery, jigsaw puzzles, and playing with my grandchildren every chance I get.
Greatest fear: Fire and car accidents
Pet peeve: Hearing incorrect grammar and people not saying please and thank you.
Three words that best describe me: Organized, cheerful, and motivated.
Why I chose teaching as a career: I did not choose it. It chose me! Whenever I played school with my siblings, I was always the teacher, and I would only let them be my students!
Greatest thing that has changed about teaching since I started is: Technology! I use it every day, and it has enhanced my teaching so much. Before technology took hold, I was worried about becoming complacent as a teacher, boring my students and myself!
Technology has affected teaching by: bringing the real world into the classroom. Technology allows students to relate to learning through their current way of interacting with the world.
Name one thing you wish parents would do more: I wish they would spend more time in conversation with their children. Parents are extremely busy with their professions, raising children, keeping those children involved in personal interests and activities, and balancing it with the influence of electronic devices. I admire them for balancing it all. I hope they can have dinner conversations a few times a week, and talk to each other in the car.
Name one thing you wish parents would do less: stop texting and talking when their children are present and wanting to talk.
My favorite teacher was: Miss Edwards, my 4th grade teacher. She was energetic and organized. She taught me so many things in one year, including square dancing.
People would be surprised to know I: have lived in 13 different states. I also have an unpublished children’s book in my basement that I wrote and am waiting on adding my illustrations. I love to design my own quilts, and then make them and quilt them by hand.
I’m proud that: my children have been so successful in their own lives with achieving their personal goals and keeping faith and family close to their hearts and in their homes.
My most embarrassing moment in teaching was: when I first moved to South Dakota. I had started my first day at St. Agnes on a very warm day in August, and I asked the principal how to turn on the AC. She said there was no AC. Ms. Gotsleben got a big kick out of it, but I was so embarrassed!
The most interesting place I’ve traveled to: is Washington, DC. We took our young family when they were preteens, and we learned so much about our country!
I’d like to have a dollar for every time a student: uses the pronoun, me, first in a sentence.
Future goal: When I retire, my husband and I hope to visit the national parks of America and take our grandchildren to Washington, DC. I will also spend time volunteering.
The best thing about my job is: it is never boring. Every day is different, and each moment of a school day brings so many emotions: delight, joy, frustration, and disappointment. The best part of my day is greeting my students each morning and listening to their morning news. I love it when they finally can be successful in a particular objective that we are learning.
Janine Broscha
Hometown: Yankton, SD
Education: Yankton High School
BA in Elementary Education from USD
MA Reading Specialist from USD
Title/School Currently Teaching at: YMS 6th Grade ELA Teacher
Years I have been teaching: 31
Family: Husband: Todd Broscha; Children: Jake Broscha, Matthew Broscha, Jenna Broscha; Daughter-In-Law, Christin Broscha; Granddaughter: Elly
Growing up I wanted to be: Opthamologist
First job: Waitress at Smitty’s Pancake House
Prized possession: My Family (Although they aren’t really a possession.)
All-time favorite movie: Dead Poet’s Society
Best book I’ve read recently: Freak the Mighty
Favorite author: Too many to narrow it down to one
Hobbies: Reading
Spending time with my granddaughter
Greatest fear: Heights!
Pet peeve: Procrastinators
Three words that best describe me: Organized, reliable, supportive
Why I chose teaching as a career: I wasn’t sure what area to concentrate on in college so I took some education classes and loved them.
Greatest thing that has changed about teaching since I started is: The use of technology has got to be the biggest thing that has changed.
Technology has affected teaching by: making it easier to access the world.
Name one thing you wish parents would do more: Read to their children
My favorite teacher was: Mrs. Erickson... because of her I fell in love with reading.
People would be surprised to know I: can recite the Greek alphabet.
I’m proud that: I teach middle school aged students. I wouldn’t want to teach any other age.
I’d like to have a dollar for every time a student: forgets to put his/her name on his/ her paper.
Future goal: I would like to see more of the United States.
The best thing about my job is: getting to work every day with bright, energetic students.
Debra Howell
Hometown: Watertown, SD
Education: Graduated from Watertown High School in 1982. Earned Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from SDSU in 1986 and Masters of Arts in Mathematics from USD in 1992.
Title/School Currently Teaching at: Yankton Middle School
Years I have been teaching: 30
Family : My parents still live in Watertown and I have 2 sisters and their families including a niece and two nephews
Growing up I wanted to be: I have always wanted to be a teacher
First job: Kitchen assistant at the Elks Lodge in Watertown but my first teaching job was here in Yankton
All-time favorite movie: The Other Side of the Mountain
Best movie I’ve seen recently: American Sniper
Best book I’ve read recently: Beneath a Marbled Sky
Hobbies: Reading and traveling
Three words that best describe me: Organized, helpful, and hard-working
Why I chose teaching as a career: I always enjoyed school as a student and like learning new things.
Greatest thing that has changed about teaching since I started is: Definitely the use of technology.
Technology has affected teaching by: With respect to grading
and communication, technology has made things easier but it is certainly a challenge to keep up with the pace at which technology is changing The most interesting place I’ve traveled to: Hawaii
The best thing about my job is: when a student has that “AHA” moment when a new concept “clicks” for them.
DeeRhonda Anderson
Hometown: Yankton, SD
Education: BS in Special Education and Elementary Education
MA in Special Education
Title/School Currently Teaching at: Beadle Special Education teacher for children identified as Emotionally/Behaviorally Disordered
Years I have been teaching: 35
Family: My son Reese is 16 years old. We have two very spoiled pets, Latte the fat cat, and Bella the GoldenDoodle beast. My mom, Marilyn Jensen, is in town. I have two of the world’s best nieces, Addison and Bergen, who are in Sioux Falls with my sister, Dianna.
Growing up I wanted to be: FBI Forensic Investigator
First job: Cashier at Sunshine Grocery Store
Prized possession: Would it be politically correct to say my sanity? All kidding aside, the greatest role in my life is being a mother to my son, Reese.
All-time favorite movie: The Sound of Music
Best movie I’ve seen recently: Inside Out
Best book I’ve read recently: The Language of Flowers
Favorite author: Diana Gabaldon
Hobbies: Reading, watching movies, cooking, baking, traveling, creating art for my “fledgling” business ArtDee’Signs, being on any ocean beach, spending time with family and friends.
Greatest fear: To be without the people I love.
Pet peeve: Phoniness
Three words that best describe me: Sincere, Intuitive, Faith-Filled
Why I chose teaching as a career: My parents bought a slate chalkboard from a country school auction when I was little. As a student here at Beadle School, one spring the teachers had sample teachers’ manuals that we could take if we wanted them. I felt like I had received a treasure. With the slate chalkboard, the manuals and two antique one-armed oak desks, our basement became my classroom. I taught every neighbor kid and my sister. It was how I loved spending my time!
Greatest thing that has changed about teaching since I started is: Laws and testing take personal control and time away from teaching.
Technology has affected teaching by: Any information I need to assist in my specialty is a website away.
Name one thing you wish parents would do more: Give their children time rather than toys...Be present
Name one thing you wish parents would do less: Spend time on their phones/social media.
My favorite teacher was: Terry Winter at YHS
People would be surprised to know I: Hate mornings more than anything.
I’m proud that: I have had the opportunity to be part of so many students’ lives while I was their teacher. It is rewarding when they choose to find me after they have gone on with their successful lives/careers.
The most interesting place I’ve traveled to: Hawaii
I’d like to have a dollar for every time a student: gives me an excuse.
The best thing about my job is: being able to share a year or more in the life of the students with whom I work.
Cecilia Fitzsimmons
Hometown: Yankton, SD
Education: BS Elementary Education USD 1986
MA Reading Specialist USD 1992
Title/School Currently Teaching at: 3rd Grade Lincoln School
Years I have been teaching: 30 years
Family: Dan is my husband of almost 30 years, 2 sons: Sean who is married to Ramsey and they have 2 children, Rory and Callum; Connor is going to graduate from USD this spring; 2 daughters: Shannon teaches at Vermillion High School; and Brenna is a sophomore at USD.
Growing up I wanted to be: a teacher.
First job: Paraprofessional in 5th grade at Lincoln School with Mrs. Blumer in the same classroom I am currently teaching in.
Prized possession: My family
Best movie I’ve seen recently: Woodlawn
Best book I’ve read recently: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Favorite author: Kristin Hannah, Nicholas Sparks, John Grisham, just to name a few
Hobbies: Reading, walking and hanging out with my family
Greatest fear: Losing a child or grandchild
Three words that best describe me: Happy, fun, positive
Why I chose teaching as a career: I love kids. I used to babysit a lot when I was growing up.
Greatest thing that has changed about teaching since I started is: The testing that 3rd graders now have to do.
My favorite teacher was: Mrs. Lainson at Hoover Elementary in Council Bluffs, Iowa
People would be surprised to know I: I am in the USD Hall of Fame for track and field.
I’m proud that: I have been able to teach all my years at Lincoln School.
The most interesting place I’ve traveled to: Washington, DC
I’d like to have a dollar for every time a student: finishes reading a book.
Future goal: To be the best grandma I can be!
The best thing about my job is: Seeing the smiles on the students faces as they accomplish something they didn’t think they could.
Lisa Opsahl
Hometown: Woonsocket, SD
Education: BS from Northern State University, Aberdeen
MA from University of South Dakota, Vermillion
Title/School Currently Teaching at:
5th grade teacher at Stewart School
Years I have been teaching: Since 1983,
I had a couple years out of district, but 30 of those years with Yankton Public Schools
Family: My husband, Kevin. Our daughter, Ann and her wife, Katie. Our daughter, Laura and her husband, Nick. Our son, Alexander.
Growing up I wanted to be: a teacher, imagine that!
First job: Waitress job during college in Aberdeen
Prized possession: Family!
Best movie I’ve seen recently: The Martian
Best book I’ve read recently: Ordinary Grace
Favorite author: There are too many to name!
Hobbies: Reading, gardening
Pet peeve: Inconsiderate, rude people
Three words that best describe me: Devoted, fun-loving, loyal
Why I chose teaching as a career: I’ve always loved reading and learning new things, and I’ve always loved being around kids. It was a natural fit.
Greatest thing that has changed about teaching since I started is: Family dynamics and the blended families have really changed since I began my career.
Technology has affected teaching by: how I deliver my lessons and how I plan my day because a great deal of a teacher’s plans revolve around technology.
Name one thing you wish parents would do more: Read to and with their children every day.
My favorite teacher was: my fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Olinger. To this day I model many of my teaching techniques and my teaching style from things I remember from her classroom!
I’m proud that: every day I get to work with such a great group of committed public educators. I’m also proud that 2 of our children are educators also: Ann is a PE teacher in Washington, DC and Laura is teaching 3rd grade in Mitchell, SD.
The most interesting place I’ve traveled to: Mexico
I’d like to have a dollar for every time a student: “lost” an assignment
Future goal: Looking forward to the birth of our first grandbaby in March.
The best thing about my job is: thinking that I may have positively impacted a student in some way.
Carla Hacecky
Hometown: Irene, SD
Education: BA from Mount Marty College
Title/School Currently Teaching at: I teach 1st grade at Lincoln Elementary School.
Years I have been teaching: 30 years in Yankton and 8 years in Irene
Family: Husband, Duane, children: daughter, Emily and her husband, Derrick Livingston and granddaughter, Halle; son, Frank and his wife, Sara and grandsons: Franky and Jack.
Growing up I wanted to be: A teacher.
First job: I was a perennial packer at Gurney’s Seed and Nursery.
Best book I’ve read recently: The Kinsey Millhone mysteries by Sue Grafton
Favorite author: My favorite children’s author is Jan Brett.
Hobbies: Scrapbooking and other crafts
Technology has affected teaching by: creating new tools for learning.
My favorite teacher was: My first and second grade teacher, Helen Westegaard.
The most interesting place I’ve traveled to: Alaska
I’d like to have a dollar for every time a student: a first grader needed help tying their shoe or lost a tooth!
Future goal: I hope to enjoy whatever the future brings me.
The best thing about my job is: watching students discover the love of learning.
Lorie Mulhair
Hometown : Presho, SD
Education: BA Business Administration from Black Hills State University (BHSU), BA Business Education from BHSU, MA Secondary Education from USD
Title/School Currently Teaching at: CTE Teacher & CTE Director or Dept Head
(CTE - Career & Technical Education)
Years I have been teaching: 30.5 -
I started teaching in Yankton in January.
Family: Tim Mulhair, Husband; Three Stepsons: Eric (Tammy) with 5 children (Tricia, Adonis, Tiernan, Addison, & Miles); John (Jess) with 2 children (Elliana & Joey) and Tim.
Growing up I wanted to be: Teacher or an Accountant
First job: Lifeguard
Prized possession: My Amazon Kindle
All-time favorite movie: No favorite - love all movies!
Best movie I’ve seen recently: Bridge of Spies
Best book I’ve read recently: The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
Favorite author: None - I like a variety.
Hobbies: Reading, crafting, shopping, & traveling
Greatest fear: SNAKES - hate them!
Pet peeve: When someone doesn’t follow through with a commitment...
Three words that best describe me: Fun, outgoing, organizer
Why I chose teaching as a career: I was influenced by playing “school” & teaching swim lessons for 10+ years! My grandfather always said that I was going to be a teacher; I guess he was right!
Greatest thing that has changed about teaching since I started is: today we have paperless assignments & use online textbooks - technology is the biggest change!
Technology has affected teaching by: the way a teacher delivers material - smart boards, email, google apps and the Internet to name a few.
My favorite teacher was: Tie - Mrs. Ritter (3rd Grade) & Mrs. Bower (HS Business)
People would be surprised to know I: managed the Yankton Memorial Pool for 2 years!
I’m proud that: I completed a college degree.
The most interesting place I’ve traveled to: New Orleans - history & culture is amazing!
Future goal: Travel to Europe - especially England, France & Italy
The best thing about my job is: that every day there is a new challenge! (very few days are ever the same)
Sally Stanage
Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa
Education: North High School-Sioux City, Iowa
USD-BS in Communication Disorders in 1977
USD-MA in Communication Disorders in 1979
Title/School Currently Teaching at: Speech/Language Pathologist at Lincoln School
Years I have been teaching: 36
Family: Husband, Dave; Son, Steven; Whippet (dog): Donna
Growing up I wanted to be: a teacher.
First job: My first job as a speech/language pathologist was in 1979 when I was hired by the Yankton School District fresh out of college.
All-time favorite movie: Grease
Best movie I’ve seen recently: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Best book I’ve read recently: Along the Infinite Sea by Beatriz Williams
Favorite author: Philippa Gregory
Hobbies: Reading
Watching sports - especially the Minnesota Twins
Greatest fear: Loud noises!
Pet peeve: People who don’t use their turn signals.
Three words that best describe me: Loyal, understanding, open-minded.
Name one thing you wish parents would do more: Talk with your children -- it’s a great way to promote language development.
My favorite teacher was: My second grade teacher. We corresponded even after I graduated college and until her passing.
People would be surprised to know I: am very competitive.
I’m proud that: my students enjoy coming to speech/language therapy.
My most embarrassing moment in teaching was: Better left unsaid:)
The most interesting place I’ve traveled to: Devil’s Tower
I’d like to have a dollar for every time a student: misarticulated a sound.
Future goal: To continue increasing my knowledge and skills as a speech therapist.
The best thing about my job is: the school environment: I really enjoy working with children! Because I work with individuals and small groups I have the opportunity to get to know my students on a personal level and make a difference for them through therapy.
Additional comments: I can still say, after 36 years, that I love my job! I look forward to meeting and helping children for as long as I am able.
Judy Willcut
Hometown: Tolstoy, SD
Education: Bachelors degree from Northern State College
Masters degree from the University of South Dakota
Title/School Currently Teaching at: Resource Room Teacher at Lincoln Elementary
Years I have been teaching: This is my 46th year of teaching
Family: Husband, Roger; 5 Children, 3 Grandchildren
Growing up I wanted to be: Teacher
First job: Working at a soda fountain at Vail’s Drug Store in Gettysburg.
Prized possession: My photo albums
All-time favorite movie: An Officer and a Gentleman
Best movie I’ve seen recently: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Best book I’ve read recently: Still Alice
Favorite author: Eric Carle
Hobbies: Archiving family photos, pending time with family, reading
Greatest fear: Putting my face under water
Pet peeve: When people leave their tomatoes to rot on the vine.
Three words that best describe me: Calm, hard-working, care-taker
Why I chose teaching as a career: Teaching was a way to spend time with children and hopefully make a difference in their lives.
Greatest thing that has changed about teaching since I started is: the many program options that are available to students with disabilities.
Technology has affected teaching by: making access to information and materials much easier.
Name one thing you wish parents would do more: Read to their children.
Name one thing you wish parents would do less: Allow them access to electronic devices.
My favorite teacher was: Jane Miner
People would be surprised to know I: have gone canoeing in the Boundary Waters.
I’m proud that: I have taught for 46 years and still enjoy it.
The most interesting place I’ve traveled to: Europe
Future goal: Teach a few more years and then have a long and healthy retirement.
The best thing about my job is: getting a chance to start over each fall.
Renae Bouza
Hometown: Tabor, SD
Education: BS in Elementary and Special Education-USD
MA Reading Specialist-USD
Title/School Currently Teaching at: 2nd grade teacher Stewart Elem. School
Years I have been teaching: 32 in Yankton plus 2 years in Canistota
Family: Husband, Dan; Children: Holly & Michael; Grandson, Parker; Parents, Al & Gladys Souhrada
Growing up I wanted to be: A teacher
First job: Waitress
Prized possession: Photo albums
All-time favorite movie: I really don’t have an all-time favorite.
Best movie I’ve seen recently: No time for movies.
Best book I’ve read recently: The First Counsel by Brad Meltzer
Favorite author: Janet Stevens
Hobbies: Reading, gardening, camping.
Greatest fear: Outliving my children.
Pet peeve: Not returning things to the proper place or where it was found.
Three words that best describe me: Tricky Mrs. Bouza
Why I chose teaching as a career: Every day is different and there is never a dull or boring day.
Greatest thing that has changed about teaching since I started is: technology.
Technology has affected teaching by: giving students access to smartboards, i-pads, and computers on a daily basis. Keyboarding has become very important.
Name one thing you wish parents would do more: Read with students and practice math skills.
My favorite teacher was: Mrs. Balvin, 2nd grade
People would be surprised to know I: play pinochle.
I’m proud that: I was able to get an advanced degree.
My most embarrassing moment in teaching was: getting stuck to a wooden chair.
The most interesting place I’ve traveled to: Alaska
I’d like to have a dollar for every time a student: student tipped over in a chair.
Future goal: Retirement and continue working on my goal to visit all 50 states.
The best thing about my job is: the students who have learned something new and say “I get it now.”
Darrel J. Mogck
Hometown: Yankton, SD
Education: Scotland High School
Title/School Currently Working at: Drive a Regular Bus Route & Activity Charter Bus for Yankton Schools
Years I have been driving: I have driven Bus for Yankton 42 years
Family: Wife, Jean E.; Daughters: Laura Haase, Teacher at Scotland SD; Julie Christensen, Sped Bus Driver for Yankton Schools
Growing up I wanted to be: A Horse Trainer
First job: Driving gravel truck
Prized possession: My Grandchildren
The best thing about my job is: The Kids!
Jean E. Mogck
Hometown: Yankton, SD
Education: Winner High School- Stewarts School of Hairstyling Sioux Falls SD
Title/School Currently Working at: Drive a Regular Route Bus for Yankton Schools
Years I have been driving: I have driven Bus for Yankton 31 years
Family: Husband, Darrel; Daughters: Laura Haase, Teacher at Scotland SD; Julie Christensen, Sped Bus Driver for Yankton Schools
Growing up I wanted to be: A Hairdresser
First job: Waitress at a Cafe in Winner, SD
Prized possession: My Grandchildren
The best thing about my job is: The kids!
Deanna Garvey
Hometown: Yankton
Education: BA - Augustana College
MA - University of SD
Title/School Currently Teaching at: 6th grade science teacher/Yankton Middle School
Years I have been teaching: 39
Family: Husband, Tim; Daughters: Lindsey Peters, Lacey Kindle;
Sons-in-law: Travis Peters, Trevor Kindle; Son: Cody; Daughter-in-law: Erica; Grandsons: Camden Peters, Mack Kindle; Granddaughter: Bexxley Garvey
Growing up I wanted to be: Depended on the day - stewardess, nurse, teacher.
First job: Babysitter, carhop
Prized possession: Family
All-time favorite movie: The Replacements or You’ve Got Mail or ANY Hallmark Christmas movie
Best movie I’ve seen recently: Hallmark Christmas movies
Best book I’ve read recently: Outlander series
Favorite author: Right now - Diana Gabaldon or Mary Higgins Clark.
Hobbies: Walking, reading, baking
Greatest fear: Something bad happening to someone I love.
Pet peeve: 1. People who are nice to you sometimes and don’t know you the next time.
2. People who don’t use their blinkers.
3. People who stop to “chat” in the middle of the aisle at the store and don’t budge when you try to get by.
Three words that best describe me: Asked my 6th graders for help with this one. (answers weren’t printable!) LOL! Nice, funny, caring.
Why I chose teaching as a career: It’s me!
Greatest thing that has changed about teaching since I started is: number of kids/parents who just don’t care.
Technology has affected teaching by: almost every aspect.
Name one thing you wish parents would do more: Encourage and support their kids.
Name one thing you wish parents would do less: Make promises they don’t keep/mean.
My favorite teacher was: had several (Florence Kribell, Judy Tereshinski, Jean Fuller to name a few).
People would be surprised to know I: hate being in front of people(but not kids) and I drove my dad’s car off a cliff when I was in high school.
I’m proud that: I had 3 AWESOME kids who are now AWESOME adults!
My most embarrassing moment in teaching was: an “incident” with Dallas Chief Eagle and the boys’ bathroom at Beadle Elementary.
The most interesting place I’ve traveled to: Jamaica, Boston
I’d like to have a dollar for every time a student: asked me something I JUST said/explained.
Future goal: finish my teaching career and be Grandma.
The best thing about my job is: NEVER a dull moment!!!
