Biography

Growing up, when anyone ever asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always responded that I wanted to be a teacher. Still, to this day, I can't think of anything else I would rather do! I started my journey to becoming a teacher at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee where I earned my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. I continued on to earn my Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from St. Xavier University in Chicago. I started teaching 7th graders in 2004 and have been teaching middle school ever since. I joined the WVL team in 2014 and have enjoyed all that virtual education has to offer.

Personally, I have lived in Wisconsin my entire life and can't imagine living anywhere else. I love spending time hanging out lakeside with my family as well as exploring the excitements of city life. As long as there is a fish fry or some cheese curds nearby, I'm a happy camper! I love a good laugh so as a child I enjoyed funny stories such as Where the Sidewalk Ends or Wayside School. Today, I love reading these stories to my kids, Chloe and Drew, so we can all laugh together.

Biography

My name is Janel Mielke and I've been an instructor at Wisconsin Virtual Learning since the fall of 2005.

After graduating from UW-Green Bay in December of 1995, my first position was as a middle school teacher at Ozaukee Middle School in Fredonia, WI. I spent nine years in the brick-and-mortar classroom before coming to WVL. Since coming to WVL, I have continued to be a middle school language arts and social studies instructor. Along with being on the middle school team, I also teach some high school electives and I am the Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator for the school.

I have multiple degrees and certifications. My undergraduate degree from UW-Green Bay is in Elementary Education with a minor in Language Arts. I continued my education at Cardinal Stritch University and graduated with a Master's Degree in Reading and Language Arts in 2002. Finally, in 2016, I finished the Educational Administration program at Concordia University. I am certified to teach all subjects in Grades 1-8, Language Arts in Grades 1-9, and Reading in Grades 4K-12. In addition to my teaching certifications, I am a licensed Principal and Director of Instruction.

I grew up in a small town in Manitowoc County called Valders and my family continues to live in that area. I have been married to my husband, Craig, since July of 1995 and I have two sons, Jordan and Jacob. We have lived in Sheboygan Falls for the bulk of our married life.

My favorite memories are my times spent with my family. I enjoy watching my sons participate in sports and other activities. They are growing up too fast, but I do my best to cherish our times together. If I'm not teaching classes or grading assessments, you will typically find me in a gym or outside on the sidelines watching some type of sporting event. When I'm not there, I love to spend my free time reading for my own enjoyment and traveling.