Natalie's Everyday Heroes: Burlington substitute teacher continues passion with decades of experience

 

BURLINGTON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- They say age is a state of mind. And this week, we're meeting an octogenarian who's staying young, by doing something she loves.

Sue Uebele is a substitute teacher in Burlington who could have retired 20 years ago, but she still has so much to give.

"It is good to hold your hands out," Uebele told a class of high school students, talking about communication skills.

She knows how to command a classroom.

"I think that maybe they look upon me as sort of a grandmotherly type," she said with a small laugh.

Or maybe it's her decades of experience.

"I don't know that I've ever really heard of Sue having discipline issues," said Troy Everson, a Burlington teacher.  

She's been a substitute teacher at Burlington High School since the 1990's.

"I go all over the place. Business, social studies. I kind of do it all," she said with excitement.

Doing it all, at an age where one might expect her to be slowing down.

"In May I will be 90," Uebele said.

"I think it sets a fantastic example for our youth to see that age is a matter of feeling and not a mark on a calendar," Everson added.  

Everson is a teacher who's known Uebele for 30 years.

"Burlington High School has a gem and it's time that southeast Wisconsin knows about it," he said.

Everson nominated Uebele as an Everyday Hero for her commitment to the classroom.

And the example she sets.

"She's always a 'how can I help' kind of person. And we're short substitutes," Everson said.

These days, she helps by picking up classes one or two days a week.

She's modest about the effort.

"I come in; I take attendance. I try to pronounce their names correctly. And they get a kick out of that, I think," she said.

You may be wondering why she's still doing it.

"What keeps me going? A need to be busy," she said. "And a need to be with people. And especially with young people."

Uebele and the students teaching and learning from each other. With no plans to retire any time soon.

"As long as I'm reasonably cognitive and ambulatory and mobile, and my mobility is okay, I hope to be here. Because it feeds me so much," Uebele said.

You may be wondering what she does to stay so spry. Sue said she does gentle yoga.

And-- this isn't her only job. She also works as a guide in the summer at Black Point Estate in Lake Geneva.

If you'd like to nominate an Everyday Hero, send Natalie a message at [email protected].