After 42 years of teaching, Paula Vilhauer has decided to retire from the teaching profession. Paula began teaching in 1982. She was fresh out of college with her Bachelors of Science degree in education from Black Hills State University and had done her student teaching in Belle Fourche when she took her first teaching position. Paula’s first teaching job was on the Pine Ridge Reservation in Kyle. She then taught at Wanblee Marty Indian School before taking a position with the Wagner Community School District. Paula spent 24 years teaching at WCS before she decided it was time to retire.

For Paula being a teacher meant following in her mother’s footsteps as her mother was also a teacher. Enjoying working with young children made the choice to become a teacher that much easier for Paula. Throughout her teaching career, Paula has taught third grade, second grade, first grade and finally kindergarten. With her career spanning 42 years, teaching has evolved in so many aspects for Paula. One of the major areas that teaching has evolved would be how technology has changed over the years from when she started until the present.

When asked what she has enjoyed about teaching at Wagner all these years, Paula said that working with the children that have come through her classroom. Being able to watch them learn, grow and develop has been worthwhile to Paula throughout her years. She has also made some amazing friendships working alongside her supportive and smart co-workers.

The best part of being a teacher for Paula is knowing that she has had the opportunity to impact the lives of others. Students may not always listen to what a teacher has to say, but they do watch what a teacher does. It is important to remember that a teacher may never know on which students or what kind of impact they have had, but at least a teacher can rest assured that there is always the chance that as a teacher one made a difference.

Paula feels sad about ending her teaching career and will miss her students and fellow staff members. She has enjoyed working at WCS for the past 24 years. It is very fitting as it was her final year of teaching, Paula was also awarded Teacher of the Year. When asked how she felt about receiving the Teacher of the Year award, Paula said it was a great honor. She felt very grateful for having the opportunity to teach at WCS all of these years.

After 42 years of teaching, Paula decided that it was time to retire and move on to seek new life adventures. Now that she has officially retired, she plans to enjoy spending time with her family. Paula has two children, Jon and Paige. Jon and his wife, Molly, farm on the family farm. Paige is married to her husband, Jordan and she works as a nurse at Avera McKennan. Horses and rodeo are Paula’s favorite hobbies and interests.

Congratulations Paula on your long teaching career. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement and new adventures.