Teachers are crucial role models in young adolescent lives. Their impact can last years, even generations. One such teacher is Bonnie DeWolf, eighth-grade teacher of social studies at La Porte Middle School. DeWolf has enlightened and cultivated years of students into sharp, critical thinkers and hard-working members of society.
DeWolf has been in education for 24 years, all of which has taken place at La Porte Community School Corporation. Prior to teaching her own classes, DeWolf held a job as a substitute teacher in the corporation.
DeWolf knew she wanted to pursue a career in education at a young age. She and her sisters would frequently “play school” in her youth, which only fueled her passion more. Though she was discouraged to pursue this path by many people who were older than her, she always knew that the classroom was the place for her. Looking back, she is more than happy with her decision to pursue her dreams.
“I have three sisters, and we would play school all summer long. I was always the teacher," DeWolf said. "I had many adults tell me that this would not be the occupation that I should pursue; however, I would say that you should follow your passion and do what you feel is best for yourself. I think you are most happy with an occupation when it is something you want to do and love to do.”
United States history and government, the two subjects that DeWolf covers in her teaching, have been long-time passions of hers. Though she teaches the subject with expertise, DeWolf tries to learn as much as possible about the subjects in her free time to share more with students.
“I have a challenge for myself every year to continue my learning,” DeWolf said. “I usually spend one week of my summer break exploring a given topic and learning more so that I can share with my students.”
Education is full of rewards for DeWolf, especially when she gets to see former students become upstanding members of society and demonstrate a strong work ethic just as she does in the classroom.
“I find it rewarding when I see past students working in the public, being exceptional citizens, helping their community, and enjoying life,” DeWolf said. “I am so happy and proud when I see that they are successful and are exceptional citizens in our community. I am proud of their efforts and strong work ethic, and I am delighted when they say hello and share their stories with me.”
Through the years of instruction, DeWolf has accumulated many long-lasting and positive memories, her favorite being when she and her students “adopted” several families during Christmas time one year. DeWolf and her students raised enough money through donations from students, staff, and the community to purchase and wrap gifts for 17 families, which served 43 children. These families received gifts and a Christmas dinner, as well as more food to help feed them throughout the winter break. In addition to the gifts and meals, students also handmade cards to give to the families, which was gratifying when some families wrote back and expressed their appreciation.
“I always feel that we should give back to the community that we live in. I have tried my best to convey this to my students,” DeWolf said. “I am most proud of my time when we have helped others. My first thought is the 17 families that we adopted one Christmas.”
DeWolf’s hard work and dedication to her students and school community came to light when she was awarded the honor of La Porte Community School Corporation’s Secondary Teacher of the Year. Out of all of the educators at Kesling Intermediate, La Porte Middle, and La Porte High Schools, DeWolf was unanimously chosen as the winner by former teachers and members of the community. Her hard work and dedication to her loved ones, students, and society were recognized and appreciated citywide.
DeWolf has strong values that represent how she views and goes about her life. These values – God, family, her friends – are her biggest source of inspiration and motivation. Her friends and family are her biggest supporters, and she appreciates their guidance.
“I believe that I was put here to make a difference, and I try to do so every day in my classroom and in my community,” DeWolf said. “My family is extremely important and I feel I owe it to them to help them through difficult times and celebrate with them during joyous times. My friends appreciate me for who I am, and I’m grateful for their support and guidance. I feel that I am always there for them and will listen to them when they need me.”
In her free time, DeWolf enjoys partaking in numerous activities. She loves visiting her four grandchildren, kayaking, hiking, cross-country skiing, biking, and spending time with her loving husband.
DeWolf is one teacher who can consistently be counted on to give her all to whatever she is doing, whether it be educating, giving back to her community, or spending time with her loved ones. Those who have had the pleasure of having her as an instructor can attest to how strong her work ethic is, how motivated and passionate about teaching she is, and how much love she has for her students and her job.
La Porte Community School Corporation is beyond lucky to have such an incredible educator teaching the next generation of thinkers and mentoring the newest group of educators.