Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Meet the teachers: One starting his 43rd year, another starting her first
Jim Sauer will start his 43rd year of teaching at Central High School when classes resume today.
Amanda Potaracke will start her first.
They both hail from the Coulee Region — Sauer is a Hokah, Minn., native and Potaracke, 24, is a 2002 Central High School graduate — and found themselves at the same high school by chance.
They’ve spent the last week readying their classrooms and attending meetings, but both would rather be teaching.
“This is my livelihood. I’ve always loved kids and had a tremendous interest in kids,” said Sauer, 66. “I want everyone to get involved. That’s my goal. That way we can all learn.”
When did you start teaching?
JS: I started with the La Crosse School District in September of 1965. I spent two years at old Central and the rest has been here. I did a stint in the Navy and got the job at Central as soon as I got out.
AP: This is my first year. I was (busy) student teaching at Madison West ... and a friend said the job was posted. I found out on April 28 and had to get my resume, letters of recommendation and cover letter together that were due on April 30. It had to be hand-delivered so I drove to New Lisbon (Wis.) to meet my mom and hand off the application.
About the teachers
The Jim Sauer File
The Amanda Potaracke File
A Q&A with the teachers
Where did you go to college?
JS: I went to St. Mary’s University for my undergraduate and graduated in 1963 and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a master’s in education development in 1980. When I was student teaching at Benilde-St. Margaret’s in the Twin Cities, I had a wonderful group of kids. They challenged me all over the place. I came out with a better understanding of the program. On my last day they had a noose around the door and a note that read: Mr. Sauer keep hanging in there.
AP: I graduated in May 2008 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
What subjects do you teach?
JS: I taught American problems and sophomore English for two years and then started teaching World History and U.S. History. I now teach psychology, U.S. history and global history.
AP: I’ll be teaching English Skills 9 and ELL English 10.
What have you done to get ready for the start of school?
JS: It’s all done. The books are there and the debate materials have arrived.
AP: I’ve been planning my curriculum, preparing my room, cleaning, organizing, filing papers and attending new teacher orientations. I’ve also familiarized myself to the school from a different perspective.
What are you looking forward to this year?
JS: A lot. I’m looking forward to my new classes. There are always some units that students request. In psychology we had a request for (a unit on) eating disorders. In U.S. History we’ll be studying the Scottsboro Trial and setting up an interactive trial to learn about racism and discrimination. ... It sends a very strong message.
AP: A lot. I’m really excited to be here and to be a part of Central. I think it’s a great school. I’m excited to work with younger students and help build a community within the school. Plus the books we’re reading are really neat. We’ll be raising conscious about global issues and getting students pumped.
Why did you get into teaching?
JS: Teaching definitely was my major from the beginning. I always enjoyed school and history, and there is a lot more to it than memorization. I try to teach my students about globalization and have them understand the connection of the United States and the rest of the world. Teaching involves both causes and people, and I have tremendous interest in that.
AP: I went to college as a bio chem major thinking pre-med. ... Then I went into a bio chem elective on global issues, and it opened my eyes into all the things that were going on in the world. As a doctor, I don’t think I would be able to affect change. I felt like just because I had the potential I shouldn’t do one thing. I wanted to be a teacher. I learned you don’t have to be the most, just do what’s right for you.
Are you involved in any extracurricular activities at school?
JS: I have been the debate coach since 1968. It was a fluke of fate that it happened. The debate coach got a different position, and I stepped in. It’s been 40 years of fun.
AP: I’ll be the assistant drama director and the junior class advisor.
What’s something fun about you?
JS: I’ve taught all my kids except Maria. I hope to have her next year. (Sauer and his wife, Dee, have six children ages 13 to 30.) I’ve enjoyed teaching my kids, but I expected a lot more out of them.
AP: I graduated from Central in 2002. I was very nervous, very anxious about meeting again with the teachers but everyone — especially the English department — has been very welcoming. It’s really been an awesome experience. I feel on board.
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