ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT: GAIL AND RON WILKINSON
Gail and Ron Wilkinson graduated from Oregon State University with degrees in Elementary Education and Agricultural Education, respectively. They pursued fruitful careers in education, retiring in 2015 with Ron serving as the Superintendent of the Bend LaPine Schools and Gail serving as a first grade teacher at Lava Ridge Elementary School. They have since created “Ron and Gail Wilkinson Future Teacher Scholarships” for local high school students interested in teaching, furthering their impact in education even in retirement.
Gail Wilkinson grew up in Albany, OR and has lived in Bend, OR for the past 27 years. She earned a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in PE & Health in 1974.
Ron Wilkinson grew up in Lebanon, OR and has lived in Bend, OR for the past 27 years. He earned a degree in Agricultural Education in 1973, as well as a Master of Education in Agricultural Education in 1978.
What motivated you to pursue your degree here?
Gail: I always dreamed about being a teacher from a very young age. I grew up going to Beaver games and I belong to a family of five generations of Beavers from grandparents to our oldest grandchild being a Beaver presently. I also attended 4-H Summer School and spent a week in the dorms at OSU so that was added incentive to go to school there.
Ron: I grew up a Beaver (Dad graduated from OSU) and OSU offered the best Ag Ed program in the Northwest. 4-H and FFA experiences on campus during high school sealed the deal. I never really considered going anywhere other than OSU.
Any advice to future students pursuing their education at the College of Education?
Gail: Take advantage of every opportunity to get experiences working in the schools. I was so fortunate to be part of a pilot program for elementary education students getting out into classrooms 2-3 times weekly for my entire sophomore year. I loved it and learned so much from all the classrooms and teachers that I interacted with. Get to know your professors too.
Also, take classes that interest you besides the ones in your major. My minor was in PE & Health and I had so much fun taking a large number and variety of sports classes. Choose to live away from home and participate in activities that are available to you. It’s a good environment to transition from home to career. Find a group of friends, have fun, go to your classes, and use good time management to help you succeed academically. Love of children is the #1 reason to go into education!
Ron: Take advantage of the college experience. Remember employers are looking for that well-rounded individual. Since I spent most of my career hiring teachers, I would emphasize that we look first for teachers who have been involved in other activities during high school and college, have a love for student learning, and have strong human skills. Get involved in activities that connect you with people. Show that you care about the success of others.
Anything else you would like to share about your experience?
Gail: I had fabulous professors and felt happy and confident in a big university. Explore several areas or levels of education before your final choice. Push yourself to get experiences at different community schools so you learn more about who you are and what you’re looking for when you begin your teaching career. I had all my required classes completed but still needed fifteen credits to graduate so I took the initiative to make an appointment with an elementary principal and propose working at his school full time as an intern and working on a research project. My project was determining the relationship between large motor skills and beginning reading readiness. There’s so much to learn and so many ways to go about your education. Choose a path that helps you learn and grow and feeds your passion!
Ron: My experience at OSU greatly influenced my future life. The leadership skills I developed and honed as a freshman class officer, then student body vice president then president, played a big part in my quick move from the classroom to building level leadership then to district leadership. My 43 years in education was highlighted by being named Oregon Superintendent of the Year in 2012.
Ron & Gail: Graduating from OSU was a springboard for making our educational and career goals become reality! We have a closet full of orange and black and have been season ticket holders for football and basketball over the years. Together we enjoyed 75 years in education and when we retired in 2015 the Bend community honored us with a $51,000 fund. We have taken that money and matched it awarding nearly 30 “Ron and Gail Wilkinson Future Teacher Scholarships” since retirement. We believe high quality teachers are our best resources to impact the future of our children. It’s been our joy interviewing and presenting these scholarships to some of our best and brightest future educators.