Schlageter begins next chapter, after 37 years at Cornell

It’s been almost four decades, since Nancy Schlageter graduated from college in Minnesota, and began her 37-year long teaching career, all with the Cornell School District. Schlageter was originally from South Dakota, but instead of returning back there, she made her home in Cornell, because it wasn’t far from the Twin Cities, and her friends. “I made it work,” she said. Schlageter more than made it work, as she became integrated in the community, married and raised children. All while teaching math, first at the middle school level, then middle and high school together. While she had a little assistance from another teacher, Schlageter was amazed at how many different preps there are for the classes. Of course, it’s a little easier now, with a promethean board and ebooks, instead of the overhead projector and text books she started with. She can even teach virtual classes, similar to what occurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools were closed. “I was in my basement, writing on a whiteboard and showing kids that,” said Schlageter. “It was very challenging.” Something else that is challenging, is that curriculum is a lot more advanced than it used to be. “The things my granddaughter is doing in kindergarten, is not what we did in kindergarten,” said Schlageter. Over the years, Schlageter has many fond memories, including when she traveled to Spain and Costa Rica, with her students. There, they shared new adventures and fabulous food, different cultures and even zip lining. Beyond that, it’s special to her when former students return and tell her how much she helped them prepare for life out of high school, as well as sitting in the classroom and seeing when the solution to a problem suddenly makes sense. “Those are beautiful times,” she said. Schlageter has also been a fixture at basketball and volleyball games, running the clock. Because of her dedication to the students of the Cornell School District, she received numerous awards through Excellence in Education, including honored educator this year, as well as being nominated for a Presidential Award. Now that Schlageter is getting to the “magical” age, she knows she’s ready to rest, relax and slow down a little, while raising her six-year-old granddaughter. However, she’s not ruling out substitute teaching or a part-time job, while she wants to be adventurous in her free time and plans to continue helping at area music festivals, like she and her late husband, Steve, always did. “[I] don’t know what the next chapter will be,” said Schlageter. In leaving words of wisdom for her fellow teachers and those who follow behind her, Schlageter encourages them to just support each other. “That’s one of the ways I survived, is the idea of help from one another,” she said. “I’ve always loved teaching. I don’t know if it’s the math or the kids…it’s always been a fun time.”