May 27

Written by: ngreditor
5/27/2008 7:19 PM 

Terry Radenslaben retires after helping kids do “a great job”

Kenneth Purscell

It was never Terry Radenslaben’s goal to become a school counselor.

“The invitation came out of the blue,” he says. “The superintendent asked if I would be interested, since we needed a counselor. I thought about it overnight and told him I didn’t think so.

“The next day he reminded me that my contract gave ‘other duties as assigned.’ ‘Well,’ the principal said, ‘I’m assigning you.’”

The assignment was a good one. Radenslaben, who is retiring at the end of the school year, has been counselor at Newman Grove since 1979.

He started as a math teacher in Iowa, doing some coaching as part of his work. The move to Newman Grove in the late 70’s brought him back to his family roots around Meadow Grove and Yutan.

Over the years counseling in schools has changed. “Everything was aimed at college preparation. A counselor helped with applications and scholarship forms. Now we are helping with more personal adjustments.”

For example, he has recently worked on counseling at the elementary school. “Mostly it’s helping give developmental lessons: handling conflicts, keeping good manners. The goal has been pre-emption, helping kids handle their own problems but helping them know when they need help.”

And there have been a lot of success stories. “I’ve seen many times when youngsters in need have confided to others and have sought help,” he says.

“You hardly ever see the successes in public. But they are there. Kids who are having really tough times and you’re worried they’ll never make it actually open up and find help. And then they learn to make very good choices. I still get a letter or note from time to time from people who are quite successful now but who were struggling.

And success does not necessarily mean college. “There are a lot of opportunities for skilled craftsmen,” he says.

Radenslaben has also enjoyed his opportunities to coach junior high football in the 70’s and, more recently, cross-country.

“I give students three goals in cross-country,” he says. “I want them to finish, which is a goal in itself. Then I want them to beat someone. And then I want them to set the goal of getting a medal.

“It’s really exciting to see their self-confidence grow as they finish one goal and move to the next.”

Cross-country has also given Radenslaben a different view of competition. “You’re always really competing with yourself. After each meet, it’s been amazing to watch kids from all the different schools congratulating each other and encouraging each other. There aren’t many sports where that happens.”

He also led a group of seven teachers in putting together the grant that provided technology for each classroom. “We were turned down the first time, but we just went back and re-wrote the application. With the $211 thousand we received, we put a computer and printer, a TV, and a VCR in every classroom and office, and we linked them to the Internet.

“Now we have a program of technology where third-, sixth-, and ninth-graders have projects to complete. And then seniors each make a five minute presentation using all the technology they’ve learned.”

There have been some frustrations, mostly “the kids with the 55 gallon drum of ability who use only a teaspoon of talent.” But he also says, “The majority of kids do a great job.” What will he miss? “I don’t know yet,” Radenslaben says. “I probably won’t know until August.”

What will he do in retirement? “I’d like to do some fall fishing, maybe travel to Wisconsin. I’ll look for a part time job next spring, and I’ll make sure it’s an 8 to 5 job,” he laughs. “But I grew up on a farm and miss that.”

We thank you, Terry, for your hard work and care.