Fasbender named as top teacher

Retired Gilman teacher named WRSA Teacher of the Year for 2022

It came as a surprise for Michelle Fasbender, recently retired Gilman teacher, when she walked into the Gilman High School gym Oct. 14, and received a standing ovation from former colleagues, friends, family and students. By the look of puzzlement on her face, an observer could tell the district’s covert planning to keep a school assembly in her honor quiet, had been a success.

The reason for all the secrecy, was to present Fasbender with the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance (WRSA) Teacher of the Year Award, the first faculty member (former or present) to receive the WRSA distinction at Gilman. Each year, nominations are taken for the award, but in order to qualify, See FASBENDER on page 20 a candidate must have a positive impact on students and student achievement; demonstrate leadership in the school and community; have innovative instruction practices; and have collaborative efforts with faculty, parents and community members.

Fasbender had all of that, in spades. “She grew up here, and was the one person you knew you could depend on and trust,” said longtime friend, Val Kulesa, who nominated Fasbender. “I still feel that way today, after almost 50 years.”

Growing up on the family farm in Holcombe, Fasbender graduated from Lake Holcombe School in 1978, then attended Mount Senario College in Ladysmith, for a degree in music. She completed her student teaching in Cornell, later receiving her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, with a master’s in curriculum and instruction. Fasbender then subbed and worked at the family business in Holcombe, the Big Minnow, before accepting a full-time position in Gilman, in 1986.

Throughout her teaching career at Gilman, she was the elementary music teacher, with a Christmas and spring concert every year, along with teaching kindergarten, third grade and 4K.

“In addition, Michelle spent many of her weekends, still helping at the family business,” said WRSA executive director Jeff Eide.

She was also the assistant director for musicals at Lake Holcombe for many years, and was a member of the Lake Holcombe Education Foundation, where her children attended school. During those years, Fasbender faithfully cheered her children on in all school activities.

“Her kids attended Lake Holcombe, but Michelle was a Gilman Pirate,” said Eide.

After her children graduated high school, Fasbender spent many years keeping score at athletic events. When she chose to retire this past June, after teaching for 36 years at one school, those at Gilman knew the district would never be the same without her.

“And her service and dedication to the students, parents, community and the Gilman School District, will be missed, but not forgotten,” said Eide.

“We’re going to be forever blessed by the work that you’ve put into all of these kids,” agreed Gilman district administrator Wally Leipart.

Fasbender said every student made her proud to be a teacher and proud to be a Gilman Pirate.

“I always wanted to do the best for this school, for you,” said Fasbender. “I’m very proud of this school and I always wanted to make it the best, because I know what is here and I know what you can do. I may have touched your lives, but you have touched mine more.”