ROCHELLE — 

Rochelle elementary teacher Lauren Hintzsche will soon close a chapter as she retires at the end of the school year.

The physical education teacher has touched many lives over her career, first beginning in 1984 as a high school physical education teacher and coach at Big Rock High School, moving to the elementary level in Rochelle in 1991.

Hintzsche’s enthusiasm for fitness is contagious not only with her teaching at Lincoln School but also as a fitness instructor at a local health club.

“My goal was to dispel the myth that physical education was just a ‘throw out the ball and play’ discipline,” Hintzsche said. “My philosophy was to teach them to be lifetime learning, active individuals. I hope that I have instilled that in my students.”

That she did — evident by her students returning as adults to say thanks. Hintzsche said these moments are the most rewarding aspect of teaching.

“They tell me stories of how they have run a race, participated on a team or comment that I never gave up on them. I don’t think as teachers we realize what an impact we have on our students,” Hintzsche said.

One of the most rewarding moments came when Hintzsche was given an excerpt from a student’s writing assignment.

“She wrote about her positive experiences in physical education class,” Hintzsche recalled fondly. “Her closing sentence was ‘I want to be a gym teacher like Mrs. Hintzsche’.”

Inspiration

The proverbial “light bulb” moment came for Hintzsche when she was in eighth grade, after being asked to peer teach another student in gym class.

“It was such a natural fit for me. I had been instructing the neighborhood kids on the fine art of sandlot baseball, swing set gymnastics, barn yard basketball and backyard football for as long as I could remember,” Hintzsche said. “From then on, this farm girl tomboy knew that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life!”

Reflecting on what she loves about being a teacher, Hintzsche sums it up in one word — kids.

“They are honest and genuine and tug at my heart strings everyday,” Hintzsche said. “I also love that I work with some of the most dedicated people I know. From administrators, teachers, nurses, counselors, paraprofessionals…you won’t find a more dedicated group of people.”

One of Hintzsche’s favorite events is the annual 2K Fun Run, which began in 1998 at Central and Tilton Schools. Lincoln and May Schools have also since added the event to their end of the school year activities. Each year students submit theme designs, and one is chosen for the event’s t-shirt. Parents are invited to participate with their children.

Hintzsche admits she is not counting down the days to retirement. Future plans include traveling with her husband, John, a retired agriculture teacher. She will also continue teaching fitness classes and working on her nutrition certification.

When asked what advice she could offer to a new teacher, Hintzsche said she believes it is important to be a part of the community. Hintzsche has been involved with AYSO soccer, various 5K runs, and is involved with many Rochelle groups including the Rochelle Area Community Foundation.

“Not only am I an advocate for physical activity for my students, but also for the community. Being a part of the community, I believe, gives you a certain credibility with parents and community members alike,” Hintzsche said. “They know you are invested in them and their children. We were so fortunate to have the Rochelle area community at our side when a tornado hit our town two years ago. I can’t imagine what we would have done without their support, generosity and kindness.”

Hintzsche also says it’s important for teachers to find a balance between teaching, family, religion, and themselves as the profession “can be incredibly demanding and hard not to take home with you.”

Retirement party

A few months back, the discussion of a retirement party surfaced and that’s when the idea for “Hintzsche’s Challenge 5K Run/Walk” came about. All of the proceeds from the event will be given to the David Crawford Foundation.

“In honor of her passion for fitness, running and philanthropy, we felt a 5K Walk/Run would be most fitting,” as noted on the event flyer and said by the committee members. “We as a committee are issuing a challenge to all community members, past and present students, school staff, friends and family to participate in this non-competitive tribute to Mrs. Hintzsche’s retirement and her profound impact on the community’s overall health and wellness.”

Hintzsche is looking forward to the “party,” and feels the foundation was the best choice as recipient of the proceeds.

“I wanted to do a 5K, and this is the most fitting way to give back, especially to teachers in the district. It’s a fun way, it helps fellow teachers, and it’s non-competitive,” Hintzsche said. “This is a way to give back one last time.”

Hintzsche’s Challenge details

The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 20 at 8:30 a.m. at Lincoln School. Register for the event at Eventbrite.com. Child’s entry includes 50/50 short sleeve t-shirt at $15; adult single entry includes short sleeve wicking shirt at $20; single entry for children (no shirt) is $5; single entry adult (no shirt) is $10; family entry is $35 (no shirts).