Lena Willner is retiring after 43 years of teaching, the last of which was here at BHS.

She previously taught at a local parochial school, Regina High School, which no longer exists, and Brush High School.

Willner started teaching in 1981 after graduating from John Carroll University with a degree in communications and English. While she was working at Regina, Willner decided to get her third degree, in mathematics. 

Willner explained how drastically teaching has changed since she started her career.

“I went from using a piece of chalk on the chalkboard to the amazing technology that’s available with laptops, smartboards and chromebooks,” Willner said. “So I’ve done everything from using a mimeograph machine to putting in homework assignments online via virtual lessons.”

Something that hasn’t changed since Willner started teaching, though, is her strong relationships with students. She enjoys learning about her students to not only figure out how to help them in the class she’s teaching, but also to encourage them to do what they want in the future. 

“I’ve watched a lot of students move on to become very successful, ” Willner said. “I’ve been able to help a lot of students overcome some trials, and I’ve actually encouraged students to move on to their future careers, and some of them have gone to be teachers, lawyers, doctors, because I said, ‘You know what, you have a gift to do this.’”

Beachwood junior Jaycob Zabell has seen the direct impact that she has had on students here at Beachwood. Working one-on-one, using different teaching methods, and using life examples are all examples of ways Willner has been able to help every student understand the work she’s teaching.

“She’s very good with one-on-one work,” Zabell says. “She prioritizes building relationships, making sure everyone understands instead of lecturing her class.” 

“At first I think she had a different teaching method, because the prior school she had worked at, but then once she got to know her students [at Beachwood], she changed her dynamic to help us learn,” he added.

Willner’s students have been very grateful for her kindness this year. 

“I think she’s very nice,” Zabell says. “She knows how to light up people’s days. She wants a personal relationship with all her students. I think her being happy to be here makes everyone else want to learn in her classroom.”

Along with her students, Willner is very grateful for the opportunity to have taught at BHS this year. She praises the students and other teachers for how nice they are and how well she is treated. 

“[I’m going to miss] my students,” Willner said. “…especially the kids here at Beachwood because you really put a smile on my heart again. You showed me that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and there’s hope for the future.”