Over the course of a 38-year career, Janine Peo has become a cherished educator, dedicated to creating a positive impact in her students’ lives. As she approaches retirement at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year, she reflects fondly on her time in the classroom.
“My favorite part about being a teacher is establishing relationships with students as I try to open up the doors of learning and share my passion for social studies,” Peo said. “I enjoy imparting on them what I have learned over the years and showing them that we have to look at things through different perspectives. To me, it’s amazing to help a young person become more open-minded and caring.”
Peo began pursuing her passion for education at Indiana State University, where she earned her teaching degree. Her inspiration to become an educator came from her high school social studies and French teachers. She even specialized in both subjects during college.
After graduating, Peo’s first job was in the Vincennes area, teaching French for levels one through four. She did that for a year and then came across a job opening in the Michigan City Area Schools. She’s been with the corporation ever since. Her final years of teaching have been spent at Krueger Middle School as a seventh and eighth-grade social studies teacher.
Taking an active role in student activities is something that Peo prides herself in. She doesn’t mind being at the school for the majority of her day. This past school year, she served as the student council advisor, was one of the academic team coaches, and managed the volleyball club.
“I try to interact with students as much as possible,” said Peo. “They need to know that someone cares for them and someone is there to help them. Sometimes I don’t get home until 7:45 p.m. Just the other day I stayed for the band performance, and my student council helped hand out programs and clean up a little bit afterward. I like to be very actively involved because I think that makes a difference to our children.”
During retirement, Peo still sees herself serving an active role in the school. She plans to return as a volunteer for anything they may need help with and is looking forward to staying connected with the school community.
In her final year of teaching, Peo wanted to create a memorable and impactful experience for her students. She organized a special project, something she had never done before, that would leave a lasting impression.
“I took my advanced eighth-grade social studies class to the Beverly Shores Heritage Trail in September. They have a history of the community back from the 1930s. Then my students each picked a historic location in Michigan City, like Washington Park, Washington Park Zoo, the old Haskell and Barker Car Company, Barker Mansion, and so on. They researched their topic and created slideshows and display boards about it,” Peo said.
To tie the whole project together, Peo and her advanced eighth-grade social studies class embarked on a bus ride to each historical location that was part of their research. At each stop, students presented their findings to the rest of the class.
When they were finished with their presentations, Peo and her class decided to donate their slideshows and display boards to the LaPorte County Visitor and Convention Bureau to use as education tools for other locals and visitors.
“I knew, with this being my last year, I wanted to do something I hadn't done before — something that would be meaningful to my students,” Peo said. “I wanted it to be something that would stick with them in the future.”
Outside of her professional life, Peo enjoys gardening, hiking, and being out in nature, as well as traveling to national parks, monuments, and museums with her husband. She also cherishes time spent with her three children and her 1-year-old grandson.
“Teaching has been a great ride and a great journey,” said Peo. “Hopefully I've made a difference along the way. It's been very rewarding.”