With Teacher Appreciation Week in full swing, it is time to thank a teacher who has a large impact on Portage High School. Lynn Wilson earned a healthcare credential as a Certified Dental Assistant prior to majoring in Health Science Education at IUPUI. But her educational journey did not end there, Wilson also earned a Masters Degree at IU South Bend and majored in Counseling and Human Services.
Wilson now teaches Health Science I, Medical Terminology, Anatomy Physiology, and Introduction to Health Careers at Portage High School. On top of teaching, she also stays heavily involved serving as HOSA Medical Chapter Sponsor, Natural Helpers Co-Sponsor and Core Team Member.
Coming in as a new teacher 21 years ago, Wilson was approached by an administrator and asked to sponsor Natural Helpers. Wilson agreed to take on this group then received her training through Mr. Dale Ciciora at Valparaiso High School and has loved Natural Helpers ever since.
“I love the ideas, lessons, and philosophy of the Natural Helpers National program,” Wilson said.
Through Natural Helpers, Wilson has impacted countless numbers of students over the years including PHS senior Ela Pascua.
“Lynn is one of the most genuine and caring teachers I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting,” Pascua said. “She is definitely someone who made a positive impact on my life and I will always be grateful for the time we got to spend together each Monday.”
For 18 years Wilson has been HOSA Medical Chapter Sponsor. HOSA or Health Occupations Students of America is a chapter of high school and college students interested in health careers.
“We prepare to compete in medical based competitions at our annual Spring Conference in Indianapolis and some students medal and move on to Nationals,” Wilson said.
Wilson has a unique way of building strong relationships with her students in the classroom.
“I work on building trust for the first nine weeks- the trust of fellow classmates and trust in me as a teacher as well as respect for everyone, even if we agree to disagree,” Wilson said.
Continuing to build trust Wilson shares mistakes she has made in life students get to know her “stories”.
“I am real,” Wilson said. “I try to lead by example. I have successes and I have failures. I hope my students know that I will never give up on them.”
Each year at PHS the top 30 students in the senior class get to honor a teacher that has had an impact on their educational journey at the ACES Banquet. This year senior Shelby Sutphin choose Wilson as her ace.
“She [Wilson] inspires me to treat others with love and respect just as she does with everyone she’s around,” Sutphin said. “She lights up every room she walks into and she never fails to brighten my day and put a smile on my face.”
Sutphin can always depend on Wilson being there for her when needed.
“Lynn gives great life advice and always leads me in the right direction and I’m thankful that I have an adult that I can trust and build a close relationship with despite all the stress life piles on me,” Sutphin said.
Wilson’s influences reach far beyond the halls of PHS. She works with Ball State and the Department of Education as a CTE Mentor for new teachers entering the field of Career and Technical Education. She also serves as a church council member and is an elected member and Vice President of the New Durham Township School District. Wilson and her family also work to keep a men’s homeless shelter stocked with supplies through the winter.
When not helping others, Wilson loves to travel with her husband Bill, and adult children Reilly, Krysten, and puppy Pirate.
Fortunately, I have had the opportunity to have Wilson as a mentor and a friend. The way she listens and understands makes her indispensable. I genuinely appreciate her as a teacher, a mentor, and a friend.
The impact Wilson has made in her community will continue to have a ripple effect for years to come.