Roger Kumlien was a big factor in Chris Willett’s career.
“Roger Kumlien was my high school basketball coach and luckily for me, the current Osceola Middle School principal when the opening appeared,” Willett said. “He decided to take a chance on me as a teacher.”
That was 29 years ago. Willett spent four years in the middle school before moving over to the high school where he taught math. The 2020-21 school year was his last.
“Any teacher will tell you that the students make it most enjoyable,” he said. “New students every fall bring a hope of being a better teacher than the year before and a chance to bring a student a new level of understanding.
“The ‘a-ha moment’ in students’ eyes is addicting. Also, bettering one’s subject understanding and the increased ability to create meaningful classroom lessons always keeps things fresh…The students in Osceola are also special. They are respectful, fun loving, caring and receptive to being taught. The district staff is a mirror of this. It’s nice to be able to laugh at work.”
Willett grew up in central Wisconsin, but spent summers in Bayfield County. He earned a degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a math education major and a computer science minor.
“Working with youth at basketball clinics, summer camps, and through school leaned me toward the field of education,” he stated. “I received a D- in Algebra 1 as a freshman in high school, but still loved the subject of math. Now I fly to Kansas City to correct AP Calculus exams. One can never truly predict where they are going to end up in life.”
The 2020-2021 year was memorable in more ways than one thanks to COVID-19. He shared some thoughts over the last nine months.
“Teachers are some of the most flexible professionals,” he said. “We are told a week or days or even hours before something has to be changed and we just adjust. I believe it was more difficult being on-line for certain subjects and required a great more flexibility. Creativity had to take a giant step.
“…I think the students did suffer. Learning on-line is tough with so many distractions around them. It was good to see some of them be self-advocates. Technology skills increased. As in all school, though, the students that put forth the most effort get the most out.”
To further illustrate how much times have changed, he stated, there’s usually around 40 applicants for teacher openings. Osceola only had two to replace Willett.
“I don’t have any real plans this fall,” he said. “I hope to camp with my son in Montana, do some BWCA trips, fall fly-fishing, and then winter camping. And always, spend time at the cabin.”
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