MONROE - Jo Pinnow made a difference in the lives of hundreds of students during her 26-year teaching career at Blackhawk Technical College.
"It's been rewarding," she said of her profession. "This is my life."
She's proud of her students, and while she had an impact on their lives, they left lasting impressions on her as well.
"A little bit of me and my heart is invested in each of the students," she said. "I love watching them succeed.
"When they call or come in and tell me how much I helped them, I'm glad I was here for them."
There were some students who were extra special to her. One in particular was an 81-year-old woman from New Glarus who was nervous about returning to school. Pinnow worked with the woman and helped her overcome her anxiety. The senior student became part of the class and younger students were able to learn from her life experiences, Pinnow said.
There were also two students, known as the "Lost Boys of Sudan." They left the African country that was rife with division and death to make their way to the United States. They attended Pinnow's classes.
"I never saw students who were so hungry for learning as those two young men," she recalled.
She taught GED classes, computer classes and lifeskills classes. For several years she also taught English to Spanish-speaking students.
"They wanted to learn the language," she said. "Several of them have become citizens."
Students have written her or visited her to tell about how much they learned in her classes, and how her classes helped them.
"I'm amazed at the number of past students who still keep in contact with me," she said. "I enjoy hearing about their careers and their families."
Her students ranged in age from late teens to mid-50s. Some attended BTC right after high school, but some went back to school because they lost their jobs. Some of her students faced the prospect of raising a family while trying to earn a degree. Other students were worried about the challenges faced by someone who hasn't been in a classroom for 30 years.
She learned that a teacher does more than just give out assignments and lecture in front of a class.
"I listen to their problems and troubles," she said.
After 26 years at BTC, and 14 years before that as an elementary school teacher in the Brodhead, Brooklyn, Albany and Monticello school districts, she's ready to spend time doing something else.
"I'll find something to do," she said. "I love working outside."
She will be missed. Some of her students have asked what they will do next year without her. Co-workers plan to have a party for her before she leaves. A reception is planned from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 20 at the Monroe campus.
"I'll always remember their friendship and support," she said of her co-workers. "I'll always appreciate it.
"I leave with many fond memories."
"It's been rewarding," she said of her profession. "This is my life."
She's proud of her students, and while she had an impact on their lives, they left lasting impressions on her as well.
"A little bit of me and my heart is invested in each of the students," she said. "I love watching them succeed.
"When they call or come in and tell me how much I helped them, I'm glad I was here for them."
There were some students who were extra special to her. One in particular was an 81-year-old woman from New Glarus who was nervous about returning to school. Pinnow worked with the woman and helped her overcome her anxiety. The senior student became part of the class and younger students were able to learn from her life experiences, Pinnow said.
There were also two students, known as the "Lost Boys of Sudan." They left the African country that was rife with division and death to make their way to the United States. They attended Pinnow's classes.
"I never saw students who were so hungry for learning as those two young men," she recalled.
She taught GED classes, computer classes and lifeskills classes. For several years she also taught English to Spanish-speaking students.
"They wanted to learn the language," she said. "Several of them have become citizens."
Students have written her or visited her to tell about how much they learned in her classes, and how her classes helped them.
"I'm amazed at the number of past students who still keep in contact with me," she said. "I enjoy hearing about their careers and their families."
Her students ranged in age from late teens to mid-50s. Some attended BTC right after high school, but some went back to school because they lost their jobs. Some of her students faced the prospect of raising a family while trying to earn a degree. Other students were worried about the challenges faced by someone who hasn't been in a classroom for 30 years.
She learned that a teacher does more than just give out assignments and lecture in front of a class.
"I listen to their problems and troubles," she said.
After 26 years at BTC, and 14 years before that as an elementary school teacher in the Brodhead, Brooklyn, Albany and Monticello school districts, she's ready to spend time doing something else.
"I'll find something to do," she said. "I love working outside."
She will be missed. Some of her students have asked what they will do next year without her. Co-workers plan to have a party for her before she leaves. A reception is planned from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 20 at the Monroe campus.
"I'll always remember their friendship and support," she said of her co-workers. "I'll always appreciate it.
"I leave with many fond memories."