Meet Jen Kollath! She’s a shining beacon of encouragement to students who take an alternative path to high school graduation. We met in her off campus classrooms at the UCC Church in Oconomowoc and her cheery disposition was evident throughout the space. Like many who are approached to be interviewed, she was humble and a bit shy about being in the spotlight, but after speaking with her, I understood why she is a perfect fit for these kids.
She was born and raised in Oconomowoc and attended Meadow View School, Oconomowoc Middle School, and OHS before attending UW-Milwaukee and UW-Whitewater where she received her teaching degree. Like the kids in her classes who all have jobs, she worked at the old Boyer’s Mapleton Hotel in middle school, and in high school, at One Hour Martinizing, and Oconomowoc’s iconic Sherper’s. In college she waitressed at Casa Rebecca, a local favorite of the time! Jen currently lives in Oconomowoc with her family, where she enjoys the many varied activities that accompany living in Lake Country.
About Jen Kollath
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
This year my husband Paul and I will be married for 21 years. We have two daughters. Mia, an 8th grader at Nature Hill Intermediate and Sofia, a sophomore at OHS. We have a dog, Pal, and joke that he is the world’s laziest dog!
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I am a teacher at Oconomowoc High School, and have had a variety of roles in special education and alternative education. Currently, I teach in our offsite alternative education program in the morning and then I am back at OHS in the afternoon. In both the morning and afternoon, I am working with students who need an alternative pathway to graduation. For me, being in a position that allows me to be flexible and develop individual plans for students, makes me feel so fortunate.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
While OHS is my home base, I am in the community a lot with my students. Watching my students build relationships and develop those necessary job skills at different area organizations and businesses is really rewarding. Currently, my students have volunteer opportunities at First Congregational UCC, Azura Memory Care, Three Pillars, Oconomowoc Area Senior Center, the YMCA, St. Vincent de Paul, and working with Aramark, OASD’s food service. Visiting these sites and helping students become life ready is so much fun!
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
I just finished up a graduation celebration with one of the seniors I worked with this year. He, his mom, and several OHS staff members were here to celebrate his journey and ultimate success! Being a part of these celebrations makes all the days leading up to it worth it. When a student realizes their worth and feels confident, the sky is the limit. I am grateful I get to be a part of helping students reach that point.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
When I think about the times I am best at my job it is when I approach situations with students from a personal level. I think of how I hope my own daughter’s teachers would respond, and I try to go from there. There is a favorite quote on a sign in my classroom that says “everything is figureoutable.” I always say that to my students and let them know we will figure out whatever they might be struggling with together. The more we can look for ways to help each other and make things work, the better. It makes everyone’s life easier!
Jen Kollath & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
I love our downtown area! Walking around the lake on a Saturday morning and stopping for a coffee before hitting up the farmer’s market is ideal. We have so many cute boutiques that my daughters and I love! My family and friends also have kayaks and paddle boards and take advantage of the surrounding lakes and rivers.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
The mentors from the organizations I mentioned above who my students work with have all inspired me this year. They are all so positive and go out of their way to help the students. I am proud to work with them and be a part of this community with them. They make my job so much easier!
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Family, destination, supportive.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I live on my family farm that has been in our family since 1848 – I have deep roots!
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
I have a lot of favorite books, but one I have reread over the years is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I also have many series started on Netflix that I am awaiting the next season!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I have worked with many students who are facing significant challenges, but continue to show up to school every day. When I’m not feeling it, or get frustrated, I think of those students and it keeps me going.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
In the morning an iced, lavender latte and in the evening a glass of white wine!
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
My grandma who passed away years ago – she had the best sense of humor and always said “laugh so you don’t cry!” and I absolutely put that into practice over and over!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Ever since I saw the movie Mama Mia I’ve wanted to go to Greece – it’s my dream vacation!
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Hanging out at home or up north with my family. I love nights in!
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
It’s cliché, and pretty simple, but I really think if you work hard and follow the golden rule you can get very far in life!
Where to Find Jen Kollath
Email: kollathj@oasd.org
Phone: (262) 966-2826
