Prospective teacher Ella Bahr signed her intent to study elementary education on Wednesday, May 17. She is pictured above, center, with her boyfriend, Seth Levenhagen, and mother, Kelli Ripley.

On Wednesday, May 17, the Blue Earth Area (BEA) School District recognized one soon-to-be graduate’s decision to enter the field of education, and six dedicated employees’ retirement from the field.

That evening, BEA senior Ella Bahr signed her intent to study elementary education at Riverland Community College for the next two years, after which she intends to transfer to Winona State University to complete her degree.

Bahr’s family and friends, along with several BEA staff members, celebrated her commitment to education with a gathering at BEA High School on May 17, at 6:30 p.m.

After completing her signing, Bahr explained, “I’ve always been super confident as to what I want to do. I’ve been around teachers my whole life, and watching them made me want to do what they do.”

On the same evening that BEA School District celebrated an aspiring teacher, it also honored recent retirees who are concluding their careers in education after many years of service to the district.

The retiring staff members gathered with friends, family and colleagues at Putnam Park from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on May 17, and were recognized during a short program beginning at 5 p.m.

Cindy Driscoll, who is described as a kind and valued presence in the classroom by her colleagues, served as a BEA paraprofessional for 22 years. Now, following her retirement, she intends to spend more time with her family.

Sharla Goodrich also served as a BEA paraprofessional for many years – 20, to be exact. Now that she has retired, she, too, intends to spend more time with family. She notes that she has nine grandchildren to keep her busy.

Goodrich’s colleagues describe her as “great with even the toughest students.” 

Retiring activities director Rob Norman served BEA Schools for 32 years, and his colleagues explain that “his smile and positive attitude light up a room.”

Although Norman is retiring from education, he is not ready to stop working quite yet. Instead, he intends to transition to a career as a salesperson for Midwest Sport and Turf Systems.

After 21 years with the BEA School District, retired paraprofessional Sherry Stevermer plans to keep working on a part-time basis, as does retired paraprofessional Charlene ‘Char’ Thompson, who served the district for 13 years.

Stevermer’s colleagues praise her for her strong connection with students, while Thompson’s colleagues observe that she is “great at being compassionate, but also setting limits with students.” 

After dedicating over 17 years to BEA Schools as a paraprofessional, Jean Wagner plans to spend time with her eight grandchildren and “just kind of enjoy life.” 

When asked to describe Wagner, her colleagues say, “When you think of calm, Jean is the word.” 

These seasoned staff members have some advice for aspiring young educators such as Bahr.

As a paraprofessional, Thompson says her goal was always to help the teacher do the best job they could, while Driscoll suggests, “Embrace each day as a new adventure.”

Norman and Stevermer, meanwhile, reflect on what a meaningful career education can be.

“It’s rewarding when you accomplish something with the students,” Stevermer says.

Norman adds, “It’s a very rewarding career to help youth. It keeps you young.” 

“It’s great, because you’re helping the kids. You have some influence,” Goodrich comments.

And, Wagner concludes, “We need teachers – it’s a good gig. Get in the kids’ heads, and let them grow.”