Megan Burrus, ACHS Physical Education Teacher and Softball Coach (Interviewed by Avery Fleeharty)
“Why did you choose Altamont to coach and teach at?”
Well, I started in Indiana for a year, and then I was at St. Elmo. An opportunity came up here and I took it because it's home. I live here, went to school here, and now I’m a teacher.
“If you were to coach or teach anywhere else, would you and why?
No, I would not leave. This is where I want to be.
“What do you find most enjoyable about working at ACHS?”
I work with really good people. The other teachers are nice and friendly. I think they do a great job and for the most part I think the kids are all good. I like to come to work and that's a good sign.
“What do you find most unenjoyable?”
Sometimes kids are turds and that makes for a hard day because you want them to do good. They know right and wrong and then they make bad choices.
“If you weren't teaching and coaching, what do you think you would be doing?”
Before I decided to be a teacher, I wanted to be an architectural engineer but I don’t want to be stuck inside all day.
“What made you want to coach softball?”
I played in high school. I played in college. I didn't really realize I was good at softball until high school and it was just a way to keep going.
“What is your favorite part about coaching?”
The players. Teaching something that I enjoy and hoping that they learn to also enjoy it.
“If you were to coach any other sport, what would it be?”
Probably basketball because I previously did. I coached 5th and 6th grade for a while and it's just a lot of teaching and fun.
“What does your day usually consist of at ACHS?”
I start everyday with three P.E. classes, so depending on what unit we’re on, my days are very similar. And then at noon, I go to lunch. Afterwards, I have prep and then AP.
“Where did you attend college and why did you want to go there?”
Lakeland and Eastern Illinois University. I went to Lakeland because it was close. Also, I played softball there so I went there for free. I followed that by going to Eastern. If you want to be a teacher, that's the next place to go.
“What has been your biggest accomplishment when coaching at ACHS?”
Trophy wise, we won a regional but the best is when you see your kids outside. Grace [Lemke] moved on to play so I get to continue seeing her move forward. We have other girls that come back, like Tinley, who just got married a couple of weeks ago. That's really nice to see your kids later in life being good people.
“Who has inspired you the most to become a teacher and a coach?
I have lots of family that are teachers. Mrs. Bueker, my aunt, was my teacher and my coach. She coached 6th grade through high school basketball. I kind of have her job now. Teaching just worked for me. I like what they did and I like what I do now.
“If you were to give advice to someone who is wanting to become a coach, what would you tell that person?”
Do it. Be willing to learn and listen. Coaching gives back so much because you're working with kids and it's not just the sport, but helping them be better people. That's the most rewarding part.
Price is $70 per book and the price will increase on December 1st.
Use the link below or scan the QR code on the flyer to order online. All other orders should be brought to Mr. Long.
https://yearbookforever.com/school-store/dbnrbFVR5523fTdwFLsAypKT
Nikki Tedrick, ACHS Secretary (Interviewed by Cecilia Pearcy)
“Where did you grow up?”
I grew up 7 miles west of Effingham, and I went to Effingham Community Schools.
“Did you like growing up in that area?”
I did. It was out in the country and it was free. You basically got to do whatever you wanted. You could just play outside all day long.
“What are 3 words that would have described you in high school?”
I was very shy, quiet, and organized.
“What are 3 words you would use to describe highschoolers today?”
You have a wide range, but I would say confident in their decisions, they’re smart with technology, and there’s quite a few that are very organized as well.
“ What is the first job you had and did you enjoy it?”
My first job was cleaning hotel rooms in Effingham at the age of 15. I did not enjoy that job. It was awful.
“Would you recommend that to kids now?”
I would recommend that everybody works in fast food or clean hotel rooms because it will make you appreciate the better things in life and work harder to achieve those things.
“ What does a rundown of your day look like?”
A rundown of my day, it's funny. It is a wide array of things between answering the phone, filing, being a problem solver, creator of odd things that somebody may need, finding a needle in a haystack, the runner to DG if something needs to be purchased. Just a lot of things.
“What would you say your favorite part of your day would be?”
My favorite part of my day is getting to see kids when they come in, when they’re happy, or excited about something they have done/achieved. That is the best part of my day.
“What do you think your least favorite part of your day would be?”
Sometimes I get nervous answering the phone, just because I never know what's on the other side.
“ Would you change your school schedule in any way if you could?”
I think we could go to four days of school, four days a week and be here an hour longer each day, and have Fridays off.
“What do you think would be 3 words students would use to describe you? What is something you would tell them to help get to know you better?”
Some freshmen might say I’m scary, some might say I’m carefree, it just depends on how you’ve seen me. Some think I know everything and I’m the boss, and that's really not how it is. I would say have a conversation with me outside of school.
“Throughout your day, if you could play any music, what would you choose?
Bon Jovi, I would be much happier.
“What is some advice you would give to Altamont students?”
Explore every option you have and take every opportunity you can get. Be involved in anything you can get in during high school because you only get those 4 years. Just make the most of everything.
“What accomplishment are you most proud of? Why did that make you so proud? Do you think anything would ever be better than that accomplishment?”
My kids. Because they are a better version of me and my husband. They have achieved so much at their age and they have set goals. Maybe, but you never know what the future holds.
“What is a setback you have had to overcome?”
Getting over my own stubbornness and ego sometimes and trying to be the bigger person.
“Does that affect your life?”
It has affected my life but more on a personal level than a school/work level.
“Would you go back and try to change anything that happened as a result of that setback?”
No, I wouldn't change anything. I think everything happens for a reason.
“Learning from those experiences, has it made you a better person?”
It's taught me to grow as a person, forgive people, and learn that not everybody is equal and everyone does their own thing for a reason.
“Do you have a favorite thing about Altamont?”
I feel like the town of Altamont, when need be, can come together and be a strong force to help out in any way that is necessary. So I feel they are pretty good about that.
Katie Bauer, ACHS math teacher (interviewed by Raegen Henry)
“Who or what inspired you to become a teacher?”
When I was in high school, I really liked math. And I thought about being an engineer, but I wasn’t quite sure what all an engineer did. And I think I was just comfortable in the school setting, so I decided I’d try to be a math teacher. I taught at Effingham high school for fifteen years, and when a position came open at Altamont, where all of my kids go to school, I thought that was the best place for me.
“What traits do you help to have with teaching?”
Definitely having patience and flexibility. Otherwise, they will get burnt out really quickly.
“What three words do you think students would use to describe you?”
Hopefully, kind and understanding, but still try to hold them to a high standard.
“What would you say if you wanted to encourage others into this career?”
Everyday can be challenging, but everyday is going to be different. And it is also rewarding.
“What is your favorite part about teaching?”
I like that everyday is a little bit different, and I also have the flexibility to kind of run my classroom how I want to. We have guidelines, but you can kind of do what works best for your personality and your students.
“What is your least favorite part about teaching?”
Sometimes this job can be very demanding, like you have to be on all the time because there’s always students watching and listening and looking to you as a role model. You just want to be the best role model you can be, and sometimes it gets exhausting.
“When did you know you wanted to become a teacher?”
The second half of my senior year. I finally nailed it down to that’s what I want to do. I knew I wanted to go to college, but I also did not want to travel far from home, so I kind of just mapped out what it would look like to go to college to be a teacher, and I kind of had a plan.
“Why did you choose the subject that you chose?”
I was good at it, and not everybody was good at it. I was good at other things too, but it made sense, and it seemed like something else nobody really wanted to do, and I kind of wanted to be a little different.
“What is your favorite thing about this school in particular?”
I love our community, how it is like everybody knows everybody, and everybody is willing to help each other out. I think that starts in school and kind of branches out to the rest of the town.
Mr. Kris Biggs, Principal of Altamont Grade School.(Interviewed by Lucas Mesnard)
"What made you want to start teaching?"
I enjoyed math, liked helping people, and wanted to coach, so education made sense for all of those.
"What is your favorite moment from your teaching/principal career?"
Not sure that I have one favorite moment. I love watching students grow throughout their educational years. That might be within sports, academics, or even just maturing as they get older.
"What was the scariest moment in your education career?"
Again, not one moment that stands out. Hardest times are dealing with people that do not trust the school and getting them to see that we are looking out for the best interest of our students. Some do not believe or feel that we are actually doing that.
"Was there ever a point where you considered quitting teaching?"
I have never considered quitting this profession. There may be days, just like any profession, that one feels defeated, but never thought about getting out.
"What was the most difficult part of becoming a teacher?"
Being in charge of your own classroom and being very close in age with high school students when you 1st start. No one really prepares you for either of those things.
"Did you ever get tired of my tomfoolery when I was in grade school?"
Nope! Just as long as you learned from your mistakes.
"Did you always want to be a principal or did it just come about?"
3 of us started taking our principal courses together, but none of us really had a plan of when or if we would make the move to being a principal. The opportunity presented itself in Altamont so Mr. Hill and myself decided to apply and here I am 15 years later moving from high school math teacher, to assistant principal and now principal for the last two years.
"What is your favorite memory from your teaching career?"
Favorite memories would be when I see a former student and they bring up memories of when they were in my class. Some have even expressed that I was the reason they made it through the math classes, which I appreciate, but don't really think I was the reason.
"Do you have a favorite student over the years, if not, who was your favorite teacher growing up."
I wouldn't say I have a favorite student. I would say that I am still close to several of my former students and we like to talk about memories, most associated with coaching.
"Did you like being in the classroom or being the principal better?"
Both are very different. I would say for me that teaching is still in my blood and that there is a satisfaction in helping students realize that they can do more than sometimes they give themselves credit for.
Friday, November 21, 2025
Order Online @ inter-state.com/order
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🎉 Congratulations, Spencer! 🎉 Spencer Lurkins is the Elks Free Throw Contest Champion and will be advancing to the next round on January 10th! 🏀 🏀 We're so proud of your hard work and dedication- keep it up!! 💪🏼We are Altamont Proud! 🧡 🖤
Also, reminder that in observance of Veteran's Day there will be No School on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Sheri Schafer, ACHS Family Consumer Science Teacher, FCCLA/FCA/French Club sponsor (Interviewed by Torey Overbeck)
“What made you want to become a teacher?”
I started out undergrad with my fashion design major. When I graduated with that major, I thought “I don’t want to go to New York” so I just got a job in hotel management. Eventually, I met my husband and took a job to stay in Effingham; that was managing a retail store and being a clothing buyer. My husband was a teacher and I thought “That gig sounds really good” and I considered being a teacher. However, I was afraid to tell my parents that I had to keep going to school. After I met him and saw how family friendly teaching was like, I knew I wanted to have a family and the idea of summers off were great. All the things I did, like, my undergrad degree, hotel management, and being a clothing buyer all are under family consumer science. I saw that all of my things I like to do kind of fall under that umbrella, so I went back to school to be a teacher at 29.
“Why did you choose to teach at Altamont?”
I had been at Neoga for 16 years and the program got cut because of financial issues. It was a strong program, so I was really sad. I looked for a job and I got one at Sullivan, but it was just part time. I was there for a couple years and asked them to go full time, and they said no. After that, I actually got a job at ALAH, which is Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond, but a couple days after they offered me the job, Mrs. Niebrugge and Mrs. Lurkins called me and said “Hey, we have an opening in Altamont you need to apply.” I knew that this job would be awesome because it’s close to home, and I wouldn’t have so much travel time. I applied and they offered me the job in the interview, so I called Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond. They were really gracious and let me back out of that job and take this one.
“What’s your favorite thing about Altamont High School?”
I love the size, it is very similar to Neoga. I just like the small town, the atmosphere, that even if I don’t have every student, I kind of still know every student. I love how supportive small communities are of their school. They tend to back up their teachers and show up and help when we need help at the school and I love that atmosphere of a small town.
“What are your greatest strengths as a teacher?”
I believe in what I teach. I believe what I teach is important and useful and helpful. I start every class saying, “You’re never going to wonder how you use this stuff. It’s all life skills.” I love hands-on stuff. I myself am a kinesthetic learner, like, let me do it, don’t tell me about it, let me do it. All my classes have that aspect of hands-on learning and actual skill that you will use again someday in real life.
“Would you say you have a weakness?”
Yes, I am a perfectionist. Sometimes I have to not be so hard on myself, and sometimes not be so hard on others. I tend to want things done right. Sometimes I need to just understand that everybody is at a different level of learning and be patient, but I have high expectations for myself and for others, too.
“What is your day like at Altamont High School as a teacher?”
It’s different every year, but it depends on my schedule. This year since I have first hour prep both days, I still get here early. I still get here probably 20 or 30 minutes before I have to be here because I like feeling ready. Especially with first hour prep now, I always have all my copying done, but then it’s bam, bam, bam after that. I have lunch and I have no other free time. Most of the day is that I teach, teach, teach.
“What is your favorite part about teaching?”
Relationships, getting to know kids, thinking that even if it’s just one kid a year that I maybe made their day or helped them learn something that makes them want to do a certain job or career and help them find their career path. If I just did that for one student every year, the fact that I might have impacted 30 kids by the time I retire, that’s awesome. Maybe, they wouldn’t have that adult in their life if I hadn’t been teaching.
“What advice would you give to Altamont students or any student?”
Don’t be afraid to try new things. I would also say, I tell my classes this. I took an aptitude test when I was a sophomore in high school. I don’t know, when you’re a sophomore and you’re like sarcastically “Oh, I’m gonna take a career test.” as if I know what I want to be when I’m 14 or 15 years old. I took it and I never really thought too much about it. Years later, my dad passed away and I was cleaning out my dresser at my old house. I found this aptitude test and my number one job I should have was home economics teacher. I didn’t pay any attention to it at that time and instead, I went and got a degree in fashion design. Then I was a hotel manager, then I worked at a pro golf discount, then a software company, and then I became a teacher. I might have found a more direct path if I had just listened.
As a part of Mr. Long’s Photojournalism class, students completed a short interview with different staff members of the district. Over the next few weeks, we will highlight some of the staff that help make a difference in our students' lives.
Mrs. Niebrugge, ACHS Art Teacher (Interviewed by Brayden Elam)
“What would you do if you weren’t in education?”
Probably something with art. I don’t know, probably work at Hobby Lobby.
“What made you choose education?”
It was sort of my second choice. I was going to go into art therapy. How it worked was that you went to school for a four year degree and then you got a masters in art. However, the program was full. I tried again and got in the second time, but then I was already at home so I didn’t want to drive back and forth. I’m like, it’s meant to be that I teach art.
“What is one thing on your bucket list?”
Italy, I want to go to the Basilica of St. Peter’s.
“What do you bring to Altamont schools?”
Obviously, I bring an art education. Hopefully, I'm upbeat with kids and not somebody that’s always yelling at them.
“What do you want to accomplish here at Altamont schools?”
I have had several students that went on to be art teachers or something in the art field, so that is always important to me.
“On summer vacation, where is your favorite place to go?”
Colorado. I have family out there and I love the atmosphere like the mountains . So relaxing.
“What was the first job you had?”
Picking strawberries when I was in junior high.
“How did that job prepare you for the future?”
Patience, I guess excelling under the heat.
“What is your favorite genre of movie?”
Oh rom com definitely, they always have happy endings.
“What is a setback you have overcome?”
I would say, in the last couple years I've had surgeries, like with my hip and a tumor that I had.
“So how did that make you a better person?”
It very much humbles you and if a kid has an injury, you are more likely to help them or empathize with them.
“What are your favorite parts of your job?”
I like when you teach a kid how to draw or paint and then they realize that they're good at it. That’s probably one of my favorite things. When the lights go on and they enjoy what they learn and how to do it.
