Fifth-grade teacher Brad Winn talks about how onomatopoeic words like buzz and sizzle resemble the sounds that they describe. Photo by Kelly Virden

That type of enthusiasm and persistence echoes in Winn's nearly 30-year career at Pine River-Backus Elementary School.

Winn, who retires March 13, has been both professional in his work and relatable to his students during his tenure at PR-B.

His classroom, at the end of the elementary hallway, has been his since his first day at the district in 1979.

He has a reputation among his fellow teachers as being an extremely knowledgeable teacher - adept at innovation and extending lessons outside the typical curriculum.

One of his signature yearlong activities is teaching the students about budgeting with checkbooks. Each student has an account that Winn makes pretend deposits of money to. Students are charged rent for their desk and assigned financial penalties for late assignments, etc. On the flip side, they have opportunities to earn "money" throughout the year.

They can redeem their "money" for cans of pop, pencils and the like. At the end of the year Winn holds an auction for items including a fishing trip - the highest two or three bidders get a four-hour fishing trip and lunch.

Aside from the yearlong lesson in finance, Winn teaches his students all the core courses: math, science, social studies and English.

Other teachers teach his students electives like art, music and physical education.

This is a switch from his first teaching job at Villard, Minn., where he taught his students all the courses, including physical education; he even drove bus.

After two years at Villard, he moved on to a year at Menahga and a year at Park Rapids before moving to the Pine River area with his wife, Deb, a kindergarten teacher.

Winn's favorite subjects to teach are social studies and science.

"It's easy to get kids excited about science," he said.

Winn thought improvements in technology would change his methods of delivery more than they have.

He still uses a chalkboard at the front of the classroom and the students still primarily use pencil and paper for assignments.

Students mature more quickly now than they did in his early years of teaching, Winn notes, but many of the challenges remain the same.

But, the rewards are there.

"When a kid is getting an idea or a concept, that's very rewarding," Winn said.

Winn has even had former students of his, now adults, come into his classroom to substitute teach.

Winn attributes his sixth-grade teacher Mr. Palm as being influential to his career. Palm did activities with his students outside of the school and served as a role model for Winn.

Winn wanted to emulate Palm's dedication to students and to serve as a male role model.

Apparently Winn has served as a role model for his colleagues, too.

Colleague Diane Norlin has been working with him as a fellow fifth-grade teacher for the past seven years at PR-B.

Norlin said that working with Winn is an "absolute joy."

"He's someone who I look up to as a true professional; he sets high standards," according to Norlin.

And, Norlin maintains that Winn is very respected by his students and that his former students speak highly of him.

Fourth-grade teacher Lee Aimers also had glowing praises of Winn.

"I have taught with Brad for over 30 years. Brad is a great teacher, and one of the most knowledgeable teachers on staff. When I want to know something, I simply step across the hall and ask Brad; no need to look it up," Aimers recalls.

Aimers also pointed to Winn's dedication to both the school and the community.

Following his retirement, Winn will have more time to dedicate to himself.

Brad and wife, Deb - who plans to retire this spring - have plans to take their first fall vacation in more than three decades to the Canadian Rockies. They have plans to visit Florida as well.

And, after Brad's teaching career spanning 34 years, it seems the vacation is well deserved.