Gina Kowalczyk - Fourth Grade Teacher, Former Navy Sailor with a World of Experiences
Gina and her husband Keith Kowalczyk with their children, Ethan and Emma
My name is Georgina Kowalczyk, also known to my students as Mrs. Kowalczyk, Ms. K or sometimes just, “Hey.”
Ever since I can remember, I have loved to read, go to school and learn new things. This would explain why I became a teacher...I get to read, go to school and learn something new everyday!
I have never been one to shy away from a good challenge. So, after completing my high school education in Mexico, I went to Imperial Valley College, in El Centro California. I had to take ESL classes along with some general courses like Psychology 101, Sociology, Philosophy 101, etc. And, since that was not challenging enough for me, I decided to join the U.S. NAVY as an Electrician’s Mate in 1991.
By demonstrating commitment and dedication to my duties, I was able to request to go TAD onboard great ships such as the USS Nimitz (CVN-68), a Nimitz-Class nuclear aircraft carrier, when it deployed on February 1, 1993, to the Arabian Gulf, to relieve the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as part of Operation Southern Watch. On March 18, I transferred on board the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as she headed for home. Later that year, I was able to request another TAD onboard the USS Acadia (AD-42), a Yellowstone-class destroyer tender, after she returned from her last deployment in the Persian Gulf. I was only onboard for 8 weeks while the ship provided repair services to ships in the San Diego area. However, I received invaluable training and gained great experience from the crew of the Electrical Division. I was promoted to Petty Officer Third Class, EM3, towards the end of my time on board the STEADFAST.
In 1994, I was given a permanent assignment to my own and last ship, the USS Benfold (DDG-65), an Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer. I am a proud Plank-Owner of the USS Benfold because I am an honored member of the original crew to commission, board and work on this ship. The Benfold was the first ship of its kind to have females on board as part of the crew. Out of the 350 members onboard the ship, only 35 were female, including officers and enlisted personnel.
I received my K-6 Elementary License through the MAE (Master of Arts in Education) program from Augsburg College, in Minneapolis, MN. And although I have had many careers in my lifetime, I always say that I have finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up--a teacher! I have a BA in International Business, Spanish and French from SCSU. And through the Study Abroad program at SCSU, I studied at the University of Toulouse in France - UT1.
I am on my second year of teaching 4th grade at Pioneer. And, this school year I have the privilege to teach Spanish I to 9th and 10th graders at Healy High. I have been teaching for almost 9 years now, and I can honestly say that I still love to come to work each and everyday! I feel truly blessed to work for the Pierz School district. It is a great place to work, with supportive and caring individuals who truly give their all to ensure our students receive the best possible education. Students here are also taught to be productive, hard working and caring members of the community. And this is not only evident in the involvement and support the community gives back to the schools, but also the reason why I married a Pierz Healy High alumni, Keith Kowalczyk. We have been happily married for 14 years, and have two wonderful children who currently attend 4th and 6th grade at Pioneer Elementary.
From Principal Tom Otte: "As an active duty military veteran who has also had a career in business and as an elementary teacher in a Spanish Immersion School, Gina brings a unique perspective to our students and staff. She has life, career, and teaching experiences that none of the rest of us have seen which brings a richness to our schools. Her diverse skills have allowed us some flexibility in scheduling as well since she is teaching 1 period of Spanish at the high school this year."
Ever since I can remember, I have loved to read, go to school and learn new things. This would explain why I became a teacher...I get to read, go to school and learn something new everyday!
I have never been one to shy away from a good challenge. So, after completing my high school education in Mexico, I went to Imperial Valley College, in El Centro California. I had to take ESL classes along with some general courses like Psychology 101, Sociology, Philosophy 101, etc. And, since that was not challenging enough for me, I decided to join the U.S. NAVY as an Electrician’s Mate in 1991.
By demonstrating commitment and dedication to my duties, I was able to request to go TAD onboard great ships such as the USS Nimitz (CVN-68), a Nimitz-Class nuclear aircraft carrier, when it deployed on February 1, 1993, to the Arabian Gulf, to relieve the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as part of Operation Southern Watch. On March 18, I transferred on board the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as she headed for home. Later that year, I was able to request another TAD onboard the USS Acadia (AD-42), a Yellowstone-class destroyer tender, after she returned from her last deployment in the Persian Gulf. I was only onboard for 8 weeks while the ship provided repair services to ships in the San Diego area. However, I received invaluable training and gained great experience from the crew of the Electrical Division. I was promoted to Petty Officer Third Class, EM3, towards the end of my time on board the STEADFAST.
In 1994, I was given a permanent assignment to my own and last ship, the USS Benfold (DDG-65), an Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer. I am a proud Plank-Owner of the USS Benfold because I am an honored member of the original crew to commission, board and work on this ship. The Benfold was the first ship of its kind to have females on board as part of the crew. Out of the 350 members onboard the ship, only 35 were female, including officers and enlisted personnel.
I received my K-6 Elementary License through the MAE (Master of Arts in Education) program from Augsburg College, in Minneapolis, MN. And although I have had many careers in my lifetime, I always say that I have finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up--a teacher! I have a BA in International Business, Spanish and French from SCSU. And through the Study Abroad program at SCSU, I studied at the University of Toulouse in France - UT1.
I am on my second year of teaching 4th grade at Pioneer. And, this school year I have the privilege to teach Spanish I to 9th and 10th graders at Healy High. I have been teaching for almost 9 years now, and I can honestly say that I still love to come to work each and everyday! I feel truly blessed to work for the Pierz School district. It is a great place to work, with supportive and caring individuals who truly give their all to ensure our students receive the best possible education. Students here are also taught to be productive, hard working and caring members of the community. And this is not only evident in the involvement and support the community gives back to the schools, but also the reason why I married a Pierz Healy High alumni, Keith Kowalczyk. We have been happily married for 14 years, and have two wonderful children who currently attend 4th and 6th grade at Pioneer Elementary.
From Principal Tom Otte: "As an active duty military veteran who has also had a career in business and as an elementary teacher in a Spanish Immersion School, Gina brings a unique perspective to our students and staff. She has life, career, and teaching experiences that none of the rest of us have seen which brings a richness to our schools. Her diverse skills have allowed us some flexibility in scheduling as well since she is teaching 1 period of Spanish at the high school this year."
