40. There is something special about the number 40. The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years. Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights.During the flood it rained for 40 days and 40 nights. Negative 40 is the only temperature that is the same in Celsius and Fahrenheit. It took scientists 40 attempts to create WD-40 (Water Displacement, 40th formula). 40 is even the highest number counted to on Sesame Street. Ah, and Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States. It is no wonder we want to celebrate these two teachers’ accomplishment of teaching for 40 years.
40 years is a long time, and lots of things can change. 40 years ago, gas was $1.19, New Ulm had 200 more people living in it than it does today, and the top song was Night Fever by The Bee Gees. Some scientific achievements that occurred were, the birth of the first Test Tube Baby, the first ever cellular mobile phone being introduced in Illinois, and the video game Space Invaders being released. Oh, and horrifically, there was only one Star Wars movie. Mr. Koepsell and Mr. Wels have been serving in WELS schools during this time period. I asked them some questions about their teaching careers. These are their responses:
Q: Where was your first call?
Mr. K: Hopkins, Michigan
Mr. W: Michigan Lutheran Seminary
Q: Describe your first classroom.
Mr. K: All 8 grades, not even a building, just a portable classroom. Next to a cornfield, smelled like manure in the spring.
Mr. W: 28 desks, Tall windows, Over the football field, Overhead projector.
Q: How many students did you have in your first year?
Mr. K: 21
Mr. W: 70
Q: What subject has changed the most over the years? And how so?
Mr. K: English; we expect so much less of our students, they write so much less, know fewer rules, and spelling is not important.
Mr. W: Biology; there is so much variety of content that you can teach.
Q: What age group is your favorite to teach?
Mr. K: High School Seniors
Mr. W: 10th, 11th, and 12th grade
Q: What has been your greatest challenge over your 40 years teaching?
Mr. K: Staying young enough to keep up with the kids.
Mr. W: Accomplishing yearly goals in time.
Q: What is your favorite part about teaching?
Mr. K: Explaining and applying Scripture.
Mr. W: Talking to the kids in and out of class.
Q: What are you going to do when you retire?
Mr. K: Cry… and then write.
Q: What are you going to do during retirement?
Mr. W: Not teach.
