Holly Winchel began her career in education in 2016 as a Head Start teacher. She fell in love quickly with the position and the kids. "For the next five years, I built my foundation in supporting young learners, and my own experience as an educator." In 2022, Mrs. Winchel transitioned to the School District of Wonewoc, where she taught first grade and preschool, and expanded her professional experience across early elementary.
"This year, I joined the School District of Hillsboro as an elementary paraprofessional. The choice to move to a new position is grounded in the sense of community I have experienced in Hillsboro. I live here, and it's where my children go to school. Being both an educator and a parent in our district has given me a useful vantage point and made me even more invested in our growth and success."
The role of a paraprofessional is dynamic. Each day, paraprofessionals provide behavioral and academic support to district students, working with individuals and small groups to reinforce classroom instruction and strengthen comprehension. "I partner closely with teachers to help create a positive learning environment and accommodations that meet diverse student needs. My goal is to help students grow, develop confidence, and become more independent."
The certainty and assuredness Mrs. Winchel feels most days wasn't always as easy to come by. "When I first began teaching, there were definitely moments of doubt — especially in those early years when I was learning how to balance lesson planning, classroom management, and meeting the individual needs of every child. There were days I left feeling exhausted and wondering if I was doing enough or reaching every student the way they deserved. Like many new educators, I questioned myself more than once. "
A career in education requires introspection, an investment in sustained professional growth, and the ambition to always continue learning. "Even though I had been teaching for several years before my own daughter started school, everything truly clicked when I had my five-year-old daughter in my classroom. That experience gave me an entirely new perspective. I wasn’t just seeing the classroom through a teacher’s lens anymore — I was seeing it as a parent. It deepened my empathy, strengthened my patience, and reminded me just how much trust families place in us each day."
Educators like Holly make our district mission possible, and ensure all students in our district have the opportunity to Learn, Achieve, and Succeed.