Fifteen years ago, Jeffrey Gehrke was sitting in a Physics classroom, but little did he know at the time, he would be back five years later teaching that very class. 

Having moved to Millard when he was 11 years old, Gehrke attended Millard West and was taught by Tyler Berzina. After graduating in 2005, he attended the University of Nebraska Omaha where he received his teaching degree and immediately took a teaching position at Millard West.

Berzina saw him transform from a student to a workmate because he realized teaching was what he enjoyed. Berzina often ran into him at HyVee, where Gehrke worked during his time in high school. Berzina kept tabs on Gehrke and it was when he was in college that Berzina’s former student wanted to become a teacher. 

“It’s phenomenal, to have somebody that you helped mentor and they turn into a trusted colleague and friend,” Berzina said. “He’s somebody who is passionate and cares about learning.” 

There’s a certain nostalgia factor with returning to your high school, but none more so than coming back every day. Gehrke was able to do that by becoming a teacher. He realized during his time with Berzina that teaching was something that he was passionate about and wanted to pursue.

“When I was here, I thought it was a good school and the teachers and other kids were nice,” Gehrke said. “The ability to be in QT with seniors as a freshman put them in a mentoring position.” 

Principal Greg Tiemann welcomes the idea of former students returning to teach. He sees them carrying on the culture of the building and teaching it to the newer generations. Tiemann is proud that teachers like Gehrke had a great experience and want to come back. 

“We have a lot of teachers who have gone and come back wanting to teach and I embrace it,” Tiemann said. “They know the culture, traditions and what people value. Plus, they’re very familiar with the community.” 

One thing Gehrke likes about teaching is he gets to talk about something he likes, physics, with students. Many of the students who take Gehrke’s Physics class enjoy it. They think that he creates an easy to learn environment and are glad to have him as their teacher. 

“It’s hard to tell Mr. Gehrke is actually a teacher because he acts like a kid a lot of the time,” junior Joey Darrel said. “He makes the class more enjoyable and he really knows what it’s like being a student.” 

Gehrke believes that all students should get involved during high school, and learn more about themselves as he did. It is one of the most important times in one’s life, and is when Gehrke discovered his passion for teaching. He hopes to help his students do the same.