EAGLE RIVER, Wis. (WJFW) — The Herb Kohl Foundation was established to improve education throughout the state of Wisconsin.
They award 100 teachers every year for their dedication to teaching in and outside the classroom.
Most districts are lucky to have one fellow through the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation, however, the Northland Pines school district in Eagle River has four recipients—three of them at the high school.
One of those dedicated teachers is Steve Miller, a math teacher who has worked at the high school for 24 years.
“I started here at about 23 [years old],” Miller said “I graduated on a Saturday and was here teaching the following Monday.”
Miller dedicates his time before and after school to helping his students with math homework. Along with his love for the subject, Miller says his students are the best part of the job.
“I would have said math back in the day, I mean, that’s why I got into teaching,” Miller said. “But the older I get, the more I just really appreciate the kids.”
Choral Music teacher, Kate Janssen was also a recipient of the fellowship for her commitment to helping her students build confidence in music.
“It’s a really special award to be recognized for with such awesome colleagues,” Janssen said. “Because it honors a legacy of someone from our state that really believes in education.”
Janssen was surprised by Principal Dan Marien with the award in front of one of her classes, to which she credits her success.
“I told him that it was a fun class to find out in front of,” Janssen said. “Because a lot of their accomplishments are things that become part of what I do.”
The other teachers who received the award are Northland Pines High School Science teacher, Peter Aerts and Eagle River Elementary School Special Education teacher, Scott McKenzie.
The awarded teachers will receive a $6,000 fellowship. Northland Pines will receive a matching grant to further support recipients’ work.
Middle and High School Principal Dan Marien says he is proud of the work his staff has done for the district.
“This isn’t a 7:30 to 3:45 profession that they’ve chosen,” Marien said. “They really do work hard every single day to do what’s best for children.”
