Oftentimes when teachers retire, they do not get another chance at one more year of teaching. However, for technology and engineering teacher Joel Johansen, he got the opportunity to stay another year. Johansen made the decision to retire at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. Due to the lack of technology and engineering teachers in Wisconsin, his job along with others did not get filled. Despite postponing his retirement plans, Johansen says it helped him get ready to conclude his teaching career.

“Last year around this time I was apprehensive for a future without job security. I was concerned about how I’d handle not being a BHS teacher anymore. This year I feel ready to move on to the next chapter. Last year it felt like it happened too fast, this year it feels like I was phased out in the fall and now I’m just wrapping it up so the next teacher can step in,“ Johansen said.

Retirement plans for Johansen have not changed much since last year. He plans to take some time off this summer and finish some projects he has started. He also has plans for activities that were not possible as a teacher.

“I’m really looking forward to being able to take some time to hunt out West this fall. As a teacher you certainly get a fair amount of unpaid vacation time, but it’s not on your schedule so being able to bear hunt, elk hunt, antelope hunt – wasn’t an option for the past 30 years,” Johansen said.

Johnasen has been teaching for 29 years total. He taught 8 years in Oconomowoc and now 21 years at Berlin High School. Over this period he has inspired countless numbers of students. One student in particular is senior Wyatt Miller.

“My favorite thing about Mr. Johansen is that he is very willing to help when needed, but also expects you to work. He has made me a better tradesman as it will help me in my further career path,” Miller said.

As time is winding down on the school year, Johansen reflects on his time this year.

“Speaking somewhat prematurely, I’ve had a great year. The students I’ve had in class have been outstanding. My homeroom kids have been helping me count down all year. I’ve used this as a constant reminder that my opportunity to positively impact BHS students ends when we get to that last half day in June,” Johansen said.