Speech therapist has worked 40 years
By Holly Neumann
After 40 years of service, Valerie Olson, a speech therapist at Iola-Scandinavia, will retire at the end of the school year.
Olson was first hired in 1980.
“I was hired in September 1980 as a teacher’s aide with a special education class,” said Olson. “After two years, the speech therapist left, and the district needed someone to fill the position.”
With a bachelor of arts degree in communicative disorders, the district allowed Olson to work on her master’s degree, which was required.
“I have been here ever since,” she said.
The most rewarding part of her job is working with the students and seeing their progress.
“I will miss all the people – the students and staff,” she said.
The biggest changes she has seen in education over the years are technology and the security of people in the building, community and world.
“When I started, reports were typed out on typewriters or hand written,” Olson said. “I remember no locked doors and kids walking to school freely. Kids were allowed to walk home, play outside unsupervised and be more independent.”
In her retirement, Olson plans to enjoy her small hobby farm.
“We have three goats, chickens and ducks,” she said. “I enjoy gardening and outdoor work.”
She also loves to read.
“I hope to join some reading groups,” she said. “There are many places and people to see, so I’m sure I will keep busy.”
Her advice to the person who fills her position is to respect the teachers and their expertise.
“Be flexible and listen a lot,” said Olson. “Enjoy talking with the students and finding out what they are thinking.”