Jolene Bush named ‘Teacher of the Year’

First grade teacher Jolene Bush has been with the Custer School District for 29 years and is considered by many to be a mainstay in the community. Recently, Bush was named Teacher of the Year by the district. She was nominated by community members and then chosen by the selection committee comprised of community members and one board of education member.

“Jolene Bush is a very hard working, caring teacher,” said school superintendent Scott Lepke. “She is very deserving of this award.”

“I was very surprised and humbled when I received the award,” Bush said. “

Bush, however, could not take all the credit.

“I’ve been around a lot of good teachers in the past who have helped me grow,” she said.

Bush moved to Custer in 1981 where she served as a substitute teacher for two years. She was hired full time in 1983 as a teacher in Pringle, where she taught multiple grades with different combinations of kindergarten through fourth graders. She also taught physical education.

“Bette Wilkenson was teaching there at the time and I learned a lot from her,” Bush said. “Since I was the new teacher and had to learn how to teach second and third grade at once, Bette really helped me out.”