Mr. Kranich's Teacher Biography
Mr. Kranich earned his high school diploma from Racine's Washington Park High School in 1987. He enjoyed his high school science classes and admired his teachers so he pursued a degree in Biochemistry at UW-Madison. While at Madison, Mr. Kranich began volunteer tutoring with at-risk students in the Madison public schools. The program was called Operation Fresh Start. At the same time Mr. Kranich worked in a science lab for Professor James E. Dahlberg.
While the lab job was interesting (such as performing surgery to remove the frog oocytes) it was at this time that Mr. Kranich realized he wanted to combine his interest in science with his interest in working with students. Teaching science seemed like the perfect mixture so after earning his Biochemistry degree from UW-Madison in 1991 Mr. Kranich enrolled at Carthage College to start on his teacher certification.
Mr. Kranich completed his Teacher Certification courses and student teaching in January of 1993 where he was hired at Jerstadt-Agerholm Middle School in Racine, WI. After four years Mr. Kranich transferred to Washington Park High School where he had been coaching swimming for several years. The following year, 1998, Mr. Kranich was hired by the Kenosha Unified School District to teach at Indian Trail Academy where he continues to teach today.
Why You Might Want to Consider Becoming a Teacher
Teaching is very challenging and rewarding. Helping young people find and/or explore an area of interest in preparation for their future is an important job.
Starting pay for Teaching in KUSD is $34,000, but increases to $68,000 for those with 15 years of experience, a Master's degree and an additional 30 credits.
While many teachers spend much of their summer preparing for the upcoming school year, or enrolling in college courses to maintain their teacher license, the benefit of having a 10 week summer break should not be overlooked. There are few jobs that offer this annual opportunity for relaxation, travel and quality time with family, friends and hobbies.
Many areas of teaching such as science, math, and special education have shortages of qualified professionals. As a result, it is easier to find a teaching job in a school district of your choice if you are licensed in these areas.