Sixty years in second grade
By Lori EhdeLuverne students who just completed second grade won’t notice missing second-grade teachers next year, because they’ll be third-graders.Incoming second-graders won’t notice anybody missing, because they won’t know what they’re missing.Ideally, the students will be oblivious to the void, but the second-grade teaching staff in Luverne lost more than 60 years of teaching experience when Carol Goehle and Bonnie Kirchhofer retired this spring.Carol GoehleThirty-four yearsAs a child in Sibley, Iowa, Carol Goehle often played school, teaching a class full of imaginary students."I knew I wanted to be a teacher since the day I started school," she said.By the time she reached high school, though, she started having doubts. "I didn’t think I was smart enough to go to college," she said.Fortunately, her high school guidance counselor assured her that her grades were high enough, and he even found money for her enroll.She started at Worthington Junior College and then finished her degree at Mankato State College. Looking back, she said her childhood career dream came true."I got to do what was fun for me," she said.After she and Charles had their own child, Rebecca, Goehle said her work with children became even more rewarding."You see them differently after having one of your own," she said. "I expected different things from them. … I learned over the years that having a sense of humor can do more than being stern with kids."You still have to be the boss, but you can use a little humor and appreciate their humor."Love of teaching has apparently rubbed off on Rebecca, who is pursuing an elementary education degree at Augustana College, Sioux Falls."I feel so lucky," Goehle said. "And she wants to teach second grade."In her long career at the head of the class, Goehle has seen her share of changes in the classroom. "When I started, kids were supposed to be seen, not heard," she said. "But this is better. You’ve got to let them be kids — as long as they know when it’s time to pay attention. I’ve learned that through the years."She mentioned the Four Blocks reading program as one of the best changes she’s seen in school curriculum. "I wish we had that years ago," she said.And after three years of doubting the new math program, Goehle said she’s now a believer. "Give it a chance," she said. "It’s never taken me this long to adjust to a new curriculum, but they have a better idea of number sense and what they’re doing."After teaching as long as she has, Goehle has also taught children of former students and watched her students grow into adulthood. "I’ve had a lot of second-generation students," she said. "And I’ll tell you another thing: It’s strange to go to the medical center and be examined by a former student."One of the biggest changes that stands out in her memory is moving from the old elementary school downtown in 1998 to the new one that was built on the high school campus."It was fun to be able to teach in the new school," she said. "The old building has its own charm, but it was not wired for technology."In 34 years, Goehle admits there were plenty of times she was grateful for summers off."By the end of summer you’re rejuvenated and ready for a new class again," she said.Looking back, Goehle said she’ll remember the happy times. "I’m going to miss the kids, I’m going to miss the parents and I’m going to miss the staff."Goehle plans to fill in as a substitute teacher when needed, and she’s doing some tutoring as well. But she said she’s looking forward to having more time to herself.A good share of that free time will be spent quilting, an art she learned from her fellow second-grade teacher, Bonnie Kirchhofer.Bonnie KirchhoferTwenty-seven yearsKirchhofer has plans to spend more time quilting, as well. "I’m looking forward to having time to myself to do the things I’ve wanted to do for years and haven’t had time to do," Kirchhofer said.On her first official day of retirement last week Wednesday, she enjoyed a leisurely afternoon in the garden and with her sewing kit, preparing four blocks for a quilt she’s making.She and Jim are looking forward to taking a fall vacation this year, something she’s never been able to do while teaching. They’re planning to take in the fall colors on the shores of New England and Cape Cod.Most of all, she’s looking forward to spending more time with her three grandchildren. One granddaughter just completed the second grade."I tell her we’re finishing second grade together," Kirchhofer said.Kirchhofer taught six years in Minnetonka before moving to Luverne in 1966 when her husband took a job at A.R. Wood.About that same time they started their family, and she didn’t return to teaching until her youngest was in fourth grade.Since then, she’s spent 20 years teaching Luverne second-graders. In that time she, too, has seen changes.Kirchhofer said she also appreciates the new reading program that teaches students as a group, but yet allows them to progress as individuals."I think it’s better for the kids," she said. "I taught the lower reading group, and I never knew how to answer the question, ‘Why are we in the lower reading group?’ This is a better way to approach it."She said some things didn’t change in 27 years, like the value of reading books to the class. "Story time was my favorite time of the day," she said, citing "Little House on the Prairie" books among the best."I think it’s so good for them to be read to," she said. "They always say reading to kids is one of the things you can do to ensure success for your kids in school."As a teacher, Kirchhofer said it was hard to see some students struggle, knowing she couldn’t always help them. "You wish you could solve all their problems, but you can’t," she said.The reward, however, was seeing some of those same students succeed later in life. "Then you realize, that’s why you’re here, so you can see that happen."Kirchhofer said she thinks the second grade is the perfect grade to teach."They come in knowing how to read, so they can relax about it a little bit," she said.Kirchhofer taught first grade early in her career and said she appreciates what first-grade teachers do to get students to that point.But she also likes second-grade children."They’re interested in everything," she said. "They’re so eager and ready to learn. Everything you do they think is great."When asked what it’s going to be like at Luverne Elementary School without her and Goehle, Kirchhofer didn’t hesitate with her response."The quality of young people coming is really good," she said."They’re very concerned about kids and they’re anxious to do a good job. … It makes me feel good about leaving, because I’m leaving them in very capable hands."After all, she said, she enjoyed teaching, but she’ll also enjoy retirement."I’m excited to retire. This is the time in my life this is supposed to happen for me, but I will miss the people at school."She said she plans to return occasionally on Wednesday mornings for fresh rolls with her former co-workers, and she also plans to volunteer — at least as a Bookin’ Buddy."As a volunteer, you can decide if and when you want to work," she said. "That’s what I’m looking forward to — having control of my time."
