I find my new teaching career to be active, engaging, challenging, and fulfilling. Each day I have the opportunity to share my passion for science and engineering as I engage our next generation of problem solvers in scientific investigations, discussions, and activities. In conjunction with academic instruction, I also have the opportunity to connect with students over shared interests, hobbies, and passions. In a single week I've been inspired and crushed, motivated and overwhelmed, challenged and acknowledged, and at times, simply awed by students; there is never a dull moment in teaching and I value the variety and excitement teaching offers. While I teach the students about science, they challenge me to look at the world from a new perspective. I work with many individuals from many backgrounds, and each face their own unique challenges and obstacles. From my perspective, there is nothing more rewarding than helping someone become a better version of themselves, and to teach them how to overcome challenges and obstacles. An education is empowering, and I take great pride in teaching our adolescents. The career does provide inherent challenges that are discouraging and disheartening, and I know that I may never see the impact I've had on my students. However, at the end of the day, I find fulfillment and personal satisfaction when I witness student growth, both academically and personally. Having switched from a higher paying career, I feel like I have truly "bought happiness" by becoming a teacher and serving our young people.
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I like working with the SDR as I was a graduate from this school district and enjoyed my time as a student while receiving a high quality education. I get a great deal of satisfaction from being able to work with students of all ages in our district, and also being able to help out the full time teachers and staff. They all do a great job in providing meaningful and clear lesson plans for me to work off from, the flexible scheduling is fantastic for me and every school I work at is very welcoming. I truly feel like I am a valued member of the team and not just a “fill in” for a day.
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I chose SDR because I wanted to be a part of a supportive and innovative team. The staff are dedicated to growth and providing a learning environment where students can thrive. I enjoy fostering the natural curiosity of students to learn science, solve problems, and be their best self.
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When I graduated from RHS, like many students, I wanted to get as far from the town as possible. After being away for a few years, I realized how much the community had to offer. In addition to the many activities I enjoy, such as hiking, spending a day on the lake, or riding my UTV, the community itself makes everyone feel welcome. I was excited for the opportunity to return to the school where I graduated.
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My wife and I recently relocated to Rhinelander and specifically targeted the School District of Rhinelander based on recommendations from friends. Everyone is so friendly and supportive. I recall many times during my new teacher in-service where I would come home and share, "You're not going to believe the awesome things we did today!"
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I along with my four children are RHS graduates and I have been a teacher here for 25+ years. Recently, one of my daughters has come back to the district to teach. Although our subjects are diverse, it has been amazing having her in the building. I love that we get to work together to share our passion for learning with the students.
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Having the opportunity to come back to the school district that shaped my love for music and education has been incredible. Being able to work alongside so many inspirational, kind-hearted, and driven people has been unreal. I never imagined that I would end up teaching in the same town as my mom, nevertheless the same school, but I am so grateful for this experience. How many people can say that they had the chance to start their very first professional career alongside one of their biggest inspirations? Being in the same school and having her support has made my first year of teaching so much smoother than it could have been otherwise. I am so grateful to all of SDR for all that they do - I am extremely proud to be a part of the School District of Rhinelander and to call myself a Hodag!
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I decided to return to RHS and the School District of Rhinelander for many reasons. First of all, as a native of Rhinelander, I have been very proud of the new facilities like the Hodag Dome. Also, my dad having such a big hand in the dome made me incredibly proud. I wanted the opportunity to be closer to family and as my grandparents get older, it makes it 100% worth it. I'm so happy to be able to coach and teach with people who made such a big impact on my life, and want to do the same for students in the district now. Also, marrying my high school sweetheart in my hometown, made the transition even better!
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I retired from full-time teaching to enjoy a less stressful lifestyle. I knew I would miss the students, however, because they keep me young. Therefore, I applied to SDR as a guest teacher in 2015. The staff at the middle school and the high school embraced me with open arms. I have enjoyed my experience and would recommend helping out the schools as a guest teacher or teacher's aide. I enjoy the freedom to work as much or as little as I want; best part-time retirement job ever!
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As support staff, I enjoyed forming relationships with the students. The more I work with them, the more I realize I have an impact on their lives. This encouraged me to become a teacher. As a teacher, I take pride in the fact that my classroom is a safe space for all students. I have formed some of the strongest bonds with students who don't have that elsewhere. Helping change the lives of our students is most rewarding.
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Changing careers later in life can be challenging. I have been interested in teaching since college but was concerned about things like paying for school, changes in salary, and workload. I did quite a bit of research before deciding to make a change and found that there are tons of options for teacher licensing that work with any schedule. School District of Rhinelander administration was very helpful during the entire process. They offer generous education reimbursement, increasingly competitive salary and flexible schedules in addition to federal grants that are available. For me, it’s been a challenging, but rewarding process filled with growth and positive experiences with amazing students and supportive colleagues.
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