April 7, 2014 at 1:46 p.m.
Zierden to retire after 38 years teaching physical education
Zierden to retire after 38 years teaching physical education
By Kayla Thomason-
Zierden, a certified K-12 physical education teacher for the School District of Rhinelander, has taught at South Park School, West Elementary, James Williams Middle School, Rhinelander High School, Crescent, Pine Lake, Newbold, Cassian, Pelican and Curran Schools.
"When you've been here as long as I have there's not too many buildings you didn't teach at," she noted.
Zierden started her career in 1976 and taught Rhinelander High School students until 1982 when she moved to the middle school.
"When I taught high school for those six years, '76 through '82, those students that I coached and those kids that I taught physical education to are [still] good friends of mine," she said.
Zierden has taught so many grades, and watched so many children grow up and have their own children, that she can't name a single favorite memory.
"I have fond memories of every single grade and every single building that I've taught in," she said.
Zierden has taught former students' children, and in the case of her first high school students, their grandchildren. She said she has enjoyed teaching them and seeing bits of their parents shine through. Her absence will leave a void, her colleagues say.
"I think [the children] will certainly miss her but I think they will be happy for her," said JWMS Principal Paul Johnson said. "The kids know that she genuinely cares about them from how she treats them and talks to them."
Zierden said she has always loved watching her students come through the doors as kindergarteners, seeing them grow and head off to middle school. Now she is finishing her teaching career with students at James Williams Middle School.
"I will truly miss being with the kids," she said. "For 38 years this is where I've come. I would truly, truly miss my time with the kids, with the students and, of course, I'd be remiss not to say my colleagues and the people I teach with," Zierden said.
Thanks to her first-grade physical education teacher, who she describes as "a really super, super neat lady," Zierden has always known her career path. She said her high school physical education teacher, who had a lasting impact on her, and her love of sports solidified her decision.
Zierden said she wasn't good at any one particular sport, but she enjoyed each one and had fun.
During her career in Rhinelander she was the head coach for gymnastics and varsity girl's fastpitch softball, assistant coach for volleyball, and a coach for boy's JV golf.
She noted that the physical education curriculum has changed over the years from bigger group sports to lifetime sports, such as cross country skiing and rope climbing, that don't require teams and focus more on fitness and cardio.
Although retirement beckons, Zierden may occasionally make her way back to the classroom. She said she wouldn't mind doing some substitute teaching when she isn't traveling.
Johnson said she has left an indelible mark on the school district and will be greatly missed.
"She is very caring for others, students and staff, she is a very positive person and she is a real team player and that is very much appreciated by myself and other people that she works with," he said.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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