"Hillsboro is a place where people care about each other and want to see each other succeed. This district is where I went to school, and where I plan to retire from."
Mr. Levy began his career as a technical education teacher in the fall of 1994 in the Waupun School District. "When my wife and I started our family, we decided to move back to Hillsboro, where we had grown up. I took a job in Mauston at that time, and ended up teaching long-term in Richland Center. When my former Technical Education teacher, Mr. Schaufnagel, retired from Hillsboro, I applied for the job. I wanted to give back to this community."
An average day in a tech ed classroom centers on teaching students how to use the variety of machines in the shop. "My classes cover the basics in woodworking, construction, welding (using several different processes), and power mechanics." Each course begins by ensuring students know how to safely use the equipment in each class. For Ed, what quickly follows is relevance. "My goal is always to deliver content that my students are going to be able to use in their day-to-day lives. I want them to take confidence and pride in the skills they develop during their time here."
Mr. Levy's own journey as an educator began in the same Hillsboro Tech Ed classroom he teaches in today. "I chose this field because of the influence of my former teachers here in Hillsboro. Mr. Isley, Mr. Marshall, and Mr. Schaufnagel showed me the dignity of having dirty hands after work, and that you can help others at the same time."
Ed now has a collection of reminders from his history as a helper, "I ruined several outfits in shop when I started because you truly do “get your hands dirty" demonstrating and teaching students. My wife still does not appreciate the good shirts with oil stains and welding holes in them."
In his time away from school, Ed enjoys to spending time with his family, being a grandpa, and restoring vintage and antique vehicles.
"I want to thank our families for allowing me to interact with the most important people in your life for eight hours a day. I hope my students leave my classes with new skills and a boost in their self-esteem."