Penke Starts Ninth Year Teaching at O-C

Kylie Penke in her newly arranged and decorated room at O-C. Photo courtesy of Kylie Penke.

“We have really great kids at O-C and that makes my job rewarding,” stated Kylie Penke, a teacher at Oakland-Craig Schools. “I also think we have rock-star administrators, faculty and staff that make this a great school for everyone!”

Kylie is beginning her ninth year teaching at Oakland-Craig. She teaches biology, advanced biology, intro to agriculture, plant science, animal science and ag business in grades 9-12.

She has been busy the last few days in preparation of the first day of school, tomorrow. “There are more changes than usual this year due to the elementary renovation being complete and several teachers being on the move in the high school as well,” Kylie said.

She has a new room and has been working at getting it ready for the new school year. “I am really excited to have more space and storage to properly accommodate teaching science and ag,” Kylie stated.

Education is ever evolving, and providing students with the best education possible is important to teachers. “I have been revising the syllabi to reflect some of the new technologies and policies that I will be using in hopes of keeping parents more in the loop of what is going on in class,” Kylie said. “I have also spent some time working with professors at UNL’s College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources on a new Plant Science course that will mirror a current college course.” Students have the option to take an on-line version of this class. “It will be offered through the Advanced Scholars Program for college credit,” Kylie stated.

Kylie’s inspiration to become a teacher came while working with students during her year of service as a Nebraska FFA State Officer. “I discovered I really enjoyed working with high school students and being with them nearly every day presents an amazing opportunity to have a positive impact on their lives,” Kylie said.

She also thought she had a lot that she could teach students about school and life. “Turns out, they are constantly teaching me!” Kylie stated.

Teaching for nine years, Kylie has had many memorable moments. “Helping students excel in class, athletics and life who have truly worked hard to accomplish their goals is wonderful, Kylie said. “I could name several kids from all walks of life whom accomplish some pretty amazing feats and their satisfaction is priceless.”

Not only is Kylie entering her ninth year of teaching, this will also be her ninth year coaching cross country. “Cross Country has been so positive for myself and the runners. I couldn’t imagine life without it,” Kylie stated. “I am especially excited for the 2014 season because I think this is going to be a very big year with all of the talent and hard work I have already witnessed.”

Kylie doesn’t just coach cross country, she runs too. “Although I never catch the kids, I do run during most practices. It started as a selfish way to stay in shape, but I have learned that the kids really appreciate me “suffering” with them,” Kylie said. “It motivates them to do more. I guess if these old bones can do it, they should be able to do it too!”

Kylie and her husband, Jason, are the parents of two boys. Tate is five and Tye is three. “Tate is pumped about starting kindergarten and Tye is excited about the cool toilet he gets to sit on at preschool,” Kylie stated. Her and Jason will be hands on, assisting the boys with homework. “We will be doing plenty of reading in the evenings,” Kylie said.

To those considering the education field, Kylie has some advice to share. “I can’t count on two hands how many people have told me they wish they would have become a teacher,” Kylie stated. “The summers are wonderful, but most teachers are still working/teaching/coaching throughout the break so hopefully you have other reasons for going into education. It is an extremely rewarding field that is very family friendly. There truly is no other job I would rather have!”