Kolling loves the Dickinson district

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Susan Kolling has taught in Dickinson Public schools for 26 years and plans to travel more once she retires this year. Press Photo by Beth Wischmeyer

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Fourth grade teacher Susan Kolling has taught at three schools in the Dickinson Public School District and said she’s loved almost every minute of it.

Kolling will retire this year after 26 years with the schools. She was first a teacher aide at Jefferson Elementary, then spent a number of years at Berg Elementary and is ending her teaching career at Lincoln Elementary.

Family was a motivating factor in becoming a teacher, Kolling said.

“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher,” Kolling said. “My dad was a school superintendent and my mom was a teacher and I grew up around education my whole life.”

Kolling moved to North Dakota in 1974.

Kolling has taught only fourth grade during her career.

“The kids can do a lot on their own and their starting at that age to be more independent,” Kolling said. “They have their own ideas and are really good at discussing and telling their opinions and supporting their own ideas and becoming their own person.”

The district has been very supportive, she added.

Del Quigley, principal of Lincoln Elementary said he’s heard nothing but good things about Kolling.

“Sue’s going to be tremendously missed by students and staff here,” Quigley said. “She’s an exceptional teacher and she’s put in a lot of dedicated years. I get requests every year to have Mrs. Kolling as a teacher from parents and students.”

Once she retires, Kolling said she and her husband Cal, who works at TMI Systems Design Corp. in Dickinson, hope to do more traveling to see their two sons and five grandchildren, and operate on more of a relaxed schedule.

All in all, Kolling said the positives in teaching have far outweighed the negatives.

“I have totally enjoyed teaching,” Kolling said. “I really believe I chose the right profession. I’m really going to miss the everyday contact with kids.”

Tags: news, local, teacher, kolling, jefferson, elementary