Cathy Venzke found herself at a crossroads in her teaching career. She took a leap of faith with Marian’s At-Risk and Alternative Education Master’s program, which helped her connect with her students on a deeper level and provide the support and understanding they need to succeed.
Here’s her story.
Four years ago, Cathy Venzke, an Alternative Education Teacher at Raider Academy in the Medford, Wisconsin Public School System, had a freshman who really challenged her.
“She used to fall asleep in my class—seriously, just curl up under the table in the back of the classroom and fall asleep. And when she was awake, she was a tough nugget—she was broken and in a dark place. Her constant wearing of black outfits was an outside symbol of how she felt inside. I can see so much more clearly now how trauma affected her,” said Venzke.
Having a special place in her heart for those who may not fit societal norms and struggle to find their place, Venzke switched from a special education teacher to an alternative education teacher, dealing with at-risk youth.
“I found myself at a crossroads, where I could either continue with the same old routine, or I could explore a new path,” said Venzke. “I took a leap of faith and embarked on a new journey.”
That leap of faith landed her in Marian University’s online At-Risk and Alternative Education program. Her intention was to complete the two courses to get her alternative education add-on license. However, ARAE Program Director, Dr. Anthony Dallmann-Jones, encouraged her to go further. The experience was transformational.
“I realized I needed to do some inner work and heal some of my own past wounds to better connect with my students,” said Venzke. “Marian’s At Risk and Alternative Education program taught me that as educators, we need to be honest with ourselves and take the time to understand our emotions and behaviors. It’s important to heal ourselves to help others heal. I truly believe that healed individuals have the power to heal others, and part of that healing process involves learning about ourselves and being humble enough to make changes.”
“In the end, Marian’s program has inspired me to do the hard work of self-reflection and personal growth in order to become a more compassionate and effective educator. It has reminded me of the importance of connecting with my students on a deeper level and providing the support and understanding they need to succeed.”
So, what happened to that tough nugget, who used to fall asleep under the table in class?
“I just kept showing up for her, building a positive rapport and getting to know her. By her junior year, she was smiling, and wearing pink… a pink dress! Eventually, she made the decision to move out of state to be with her dad. She is graduating this year! I’m so proud of the gains she has made. She is my why… why I do what I do.”
Venze graduated in May, too, with her Master’s in Education in At-Risk and Alternative Education from Marian University. What’s one piece of advice she would give current Marian students? “Be open-minded, honest, and have a growth mindset. Keep going; it’s going to be worth it!”
“This experience has taught me so much about myself and how to be better for others, especially my students!” said Venzke. “These courses have given me the tools and resources necessary to assist my students in being a better version of themselves as well. I am so grateful and have so much appreciation for the At-Risk and Alternative Education program at Marian University.”
