Montevideo Elementary teacher Carolyn Jans has been attending Montevideo school recognition night since it began, about 15 years ago.
This year, at the event, held at the TACC, Jans happily applauded co-workers recognized for various accomplishments, never suspecting that she might be next.
When Esther Mills took the stage to present the Bob Mills award, an annual tribute to her late husband, Esther reviewed some of the characteristics shared by her late husband and this year’s recipient.
“They both are very concerned about young people and enjoy working with and teaching them,” said Mills.
“They both started their careers here in Montevideo under the principalship of Elsie Brandt;
“They both like a challenge and lived up to the challenge they met in their careers;
“They both have one child…”
Mills continued, “this person is going to be a grandmother … of twins.”
Jans said that was when it crossed her mind that it could be her.
Later, friends and coworkers shared their amusement with Jans, as they described her startled expression upon hearing her name announced.
The Bob Mills award was established in 1991 by Esther Mills to honor her husband after he died from non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
“It’s always a nice time for my daughter (Carmen) and me to remember him,” said Esther. “He was a man who loved what he did, enjoyed every day, and died way too soon.”
The school board chooses the annual recipient and requests that Esther present the award.
“Carolyn has been with us for 38 years,” said Superintendent Dr. Luther Heller. “This is the only place she has taught. In this day and age you don’t find a lot of people who will spend an entire career in one school system. We feel very fortunate that she spent her entire career with us.”
“I knew Bob Mills when he was a teacher,” said Jans, “way back during my first years as a teacher.
“In my mind this award is given to someone who is exemplary — someone who really cares about the profession, and is … just … there for the kids.”
Growing up in the town of Graceville, Jans attended a small parochial school. With one older sister and four younger brothers, she admitted being a “bossy” big sister, but would just as easily lend a hand or come to their defense.
She said teaching elementary school is what she was “meant to do.” She finds it very rewarding just being around the children.
“When I was about 13 or so, I remember my father saying, ‘Why don’t you think about becoming a teacher?’” The notion intrigued her and after considering it, she said she could not see herself doing anything else.
Jans was hired to work in the Montevideo School District almost immediately after graduating from the University of Minnesota, Morris.
“I think Carolyn is very student-oriented and very innovative,” said Heller. “When you look at the grade levels she has taught, 2nd, 3rd and 4th, and then multi-age classes for the past 14 years, she is really able to individualize the instruction to meet the particular needs of each student.”
Jans expressed some disappointment that there will no longer be multi-age classes.
She reasoned, “If you have a sharp 3rd-grader, he doesn’t get bored because he listens to the 4th grade lessons.
“On the other hand if you have a 4th-grader who is struggling, there is always that review of the past material.”
She has also concluded that having the students for two years in a row allows more time to get to know each student, and offers a better chance of sparking a relationship with parents, which in turn has helped her to more effectively meet the individual needs of each student.
“It’s nice to have that diversity in the classroom,” added Jans. “It forces you to stretch and grow as a teacher.”
She said she is anticipating the next phase of her career — substitute teaching — something she has never done before.
She and husband, Leroy, are looking forward to spending more time in Seattle, Wash., with their son and daughter-in-law, especially after the birth of their twin grandchildren. The couple is also ready for some relaxation at their small Florida home.
“I am looking forward to having a more flexible schedule with a little more free time,” said Jans.
“And my husband will be thrilled just to see the top of our dining room table! For the first time it won’t be covered with textbooks and papers that need grading.”
“I just feel so blessed,” said Jans. “I’m married to the nicest guy in the world. We’ve saved our shekels and I think we’ve earned a little time to relax.”
Correction
The Bob Mills Award was not established by Esther Mills, as stated in last week’s American-News. The award was established by the Montevideo School Board as a way of honoring teachers. They chose to use the name Bob Mills for the award.
