KM teacher of the year stands out

Making schoolwork applicable to the real world is what Kasson-Mantorville High School business teacher Chris Fernholz is known for.

It’s one of many reasons why Fernholz was named KM Teacher of the Year last fall.

“I’m extremely proud of the work Chris has done for students at Kasson-Mantorville,” said KM Superintendent Mark Matuska. “The level of passion and engagement Chris brings to his courses is impressive. I’m very proud to have him on the staff here. He’s a good man and a great teacher.”

Fernholz teaches Personal Finance, Career Exploration, Accounting, Marketing and Business Law to mostly juniors and seniors. His favorite is Personal Finance, which was added as an elective 10 years ago and is now a graduation requirement.

“Teaching kids about money, I think it’s one topic, especially in today’s world, where kids can look up answers on their phones … it’s a topic that interests them,” he said. “They want to know about these things. It’s very applicable to life.”

He was “surprised and excited” to receive the Teacher of the Year award. “It’s an honor,” he said. Fernholz became a teacher in part because his father was a teacher. “That is probably what influenced me to go into education,” he said.

Now in his 19^th year of teaching, Fernholz has made an impression on his students. Carlee Koehler and Brianna Haala both sing his praises.

“Mr. Fernholz is a great teacher because he makes the content in his classes relatable to real life,” said Haala, a senior. “And he really strives to make sure his students are successful in school as well as prepared for life after high school.”

“He spends a lot of time making sure his lessons are engaging and he makes personal connections with his students.”

Haala has had Fernholz for both Career Exploration and Personal Finance. “He’s very deserving of this award,” she said.

Koehler, also a senior, said she didn’t know until recently that Fernholz was named Teacher of the Year for KM. “But I’m not surprised,” she added.

“I personally feel like he’s taken the time to connect with me,” Koehler said. “He teaches a lot of things other teachers wouldn’t care to teach. He goes beyond the classroom and wants us to succeed in life. He shares his life experiences in a way we’re able to grasp and then take those experiences into our lives. Not a lot of teachers go out of their way to do that.”

KM High School Principal Trent Langemo said Fernholz provides rigorous and relevant instruction in his courses.

“He conveys content in creative ways,” Langemo said. “I regularly observe students involved in projects, field experiences and simulations that challenge them to go beyond where they ever thought possible.

“Perhaps his greatest attribute is his ability to build relationships. Students show great respect for him as a teacher. They know that he will hold them accountable, and that they will learn content that they will use for the rest of their lives.”

Jason Arneson has been working at KM with Fernholz for 16 years. Arneson was previously a business teacher with Fernholz, but has since shifted over to teaching social studies. He said Fernholz has been a great mentor, giving him everything he needed to succeed. “He’s a great leader. He’s kind of the go to guy in the high school.”

“He’s a great guy and a great teacher,” Arneson said. “Kids love him. He’s there for kids every day. He keeps his expectations high. His kids know that and respect him for it. He knows how to get across to kids so that they learn.”