Erika Matzke describes herself as a die-hard sports fan and a history nut. “I love discussing World War II and the holocaust. If anyone is interested in that and wants to strike up a conversation, I am game,” Matzke said. These interests apply perfectly to Matzke’s new position at the Kimball Area High School. She will serve as a district EBD (Emotionally, Behaviorally Disturbed) and social studies teacher. Outside of the classroom, Matzke will coach girls basketball and possibly work with the track team this spring. When not working, Matzke plans to be involved with the community. “One of my goals for the year is to become part of the community,” Matzke said. “I want to get to know the community on more of a personal level and not just be a face in the crowd.” So far, Matzke has felt welcomed by the community. “Kimball is like a great big family. From the time I completed my interview until now, everyone has been so welcoming and accommodating. The town is small and intimate, it is something that everyone would like,” Matzke said. While Kimball feels like a family to Matzke, she credits her own family for sending her into the education career path. “Both of my parents are high school teachers and my sister is a teacher,” Matzke said. “I think that teaching is a natural fit for me because I love being around kids and the environment of school.” Kimball also reminds Matzke of her hometown, Red Lake Falls, Minn., located near the Canadian border. Like Kimball, class sizes in Red Lake Falls were small, about 40-50 students per grade. These small classes inspired her to work in the Kimball district. “I was raised in a small district and I think that there are more opportunities for students.” Matzke plans to take advantage of the opportunities that come with small town life. “I think that it is very important to be involved with the community. I want to develop relationships with my students and their parents outside of the classroom. I want to stay close to the focal point of the community.” Matzke is used to being involved with communities. In high school, she participated in sports. She also went on to play three years of college basketball at Concordia in Moorhead, Minn. Upon graduation, Matzke accepted a job in Gaylord working for the Sibley East school district. She views the transition from Sibley East to Kimball as a positive experience. “I have the opportunity to teach and coach [in Kimball],” Matzke said. “I am now an hour closer to home and I am in a smaller district. All of the pieces are fitting together.” As a new teacher, Matzke understands that the transition can be hard on students. “With a little give and take on everyone’s part we will succeed and come out on top.” When looking at the upcoming school year, Matzke has set goals for inside and outside of the classroom. “I would say it was a successful year if I had the motivation and skills to help kids learn in the classroom,” Matzke said. “In coaching, I would like to help the players develop and im-prove their skills. That in itself would be a success. It is more important to improve skills-wise. This is more of a victory than obtaining a win.”
