Ohloff reflects on 43 year teaching career as she retires from Cora B. Darling School

Laurel Ohloff, who is ending her 43 year teaching career this week, knew from the time she was in second grade that she was destined to be a teacher. She said, “I always have said that teaching chose me rather than me choosing teaching.”

Although she spent most of her formative years in Postville, the former Laurel Gericke graduated from Decorah High School. However, when choosing a college, she was ready to explore the country and spread her wings. After a stint at Kansas University and Arizona State, Laurel finished her degree at Luther.  

She said, “I knew I wanted to teach in the Midwest so I thought it was good to finish up my college years in the area.”

She went on, “After being an observer aid in Mrs. (Rita) Anderson’s class, I was able to get a fifth grade position here when a position opened up. I found myself as a first year teacher with 27 fifth graders.”

As she reflected on her year’s at Cora B. Darling schools, Laurel recalled working with five principals including Daryl Bachtell, James Nelsen, Mike Murphy, Char Tammel, Chad Wahls and, most recently, Ryan Zurbriggen.

Not only has she seen many teachers and administrators come and go, she has also taught many generations from the same family.

Other rewarding activities Laurel recalls are the “I Am” poems and “Me” books the students created each year.

As she prepares for the next phase of her life, Laurel said she will miss both the relationships with the students and her colleagues. She said, “I will miss seeing the looks of satisfaction in my students’ eyes when they have accomplished or learned a new skill. I will miss the little moments, the unsolicited hugs. I will miss it all! I am so thankful I got to live most of my life as a teacher, and specifically that I could give back to Postville and the school. My heart will always be with this community and this school.”

Read the full article in the May 24 edition of the Postville Herald.