Esther (Schake) Zimmerman earned a two-year teaching degree from Nebraska State Teachers College at Kearney in 1937 and started her teaching career in rural schools. Several years later in 1962 she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Kearney State College and went on to finish her Master’s at KSC in 1968. She was a very dedicated teacher and truly enjoyed her many years in the classroom. Some of her rural schools included Hartman, Alfalfa Center and Stone. Probably the one most familiar to me was Hartman because it was in the 50’s when I was also in elementary school and occasionally, I would get the chance to go with her. Oh, how I would look forward to those fun days and thoroughly enjoyed participating in all the activities with students from grades one through eight. Wasn’t too excited about the outdoor restrooms, but that was all part of the experience.
In a one-room rural school the only teacher is in charge of everything! This can include stoking the furnace, putting up bulletin boards and planning for and conducting all the programs such as for Christmas, 8th grade graduation, etc. The parents were always very willing to help and participate in whatever she needed. I will always remember the countless hours she spent on bulletin boards to make the school look bright and cheery!
Esther also taught in Kearney Public Schools for several years after her rural school start. Teaching was her life for many years. She taught a large number of students in Buffalo County and it seemed like everywhere she went there would be a former student that would come up to her and visit.
Submitted by her Daughter, Rosella (Zimmerman) Meier
In a one-room rural school the only teacher is in charge of everything! This can include stoking the furnace, putting up bulletin boards and planning for and conducting all the programs such as for Christmas, 8th grade graduation, etc. The parents were always very willing to help and participate in whatever she needed. I will always remember the countless hours she spent on bulletin boards to make the school look bright and cheery!
Esther also taught in Kearney Public Schools for several years after her rural school start. Teaching was her life for many years. She taught a large number of students in Buffalo County and it seemed like everywhere she went there would be a former student that would come up to her and visit.
Submitted by her Daughter, Rosella (Zimmerman) Meier