Financial aid availability enables honored Hammond teacher to attend Purdue Calumet, realize her career dream

Amid a sea of enthusiastically raised hands, 43-year-old Colette Weitknecht, fifth grade teacher at Hammond's Columbia Elementary School, inspires her students to learn.

The Hobart resident, who earned baccalaureate and master's degrees in education from Purdue University Calumet in 1999 and 2003, respectively, lives out her lifelong dream every day in the classroom.

Weitknecht, who returned to college in her 30s to pursue an education degree, said her receipt of merit scholarships, Pell grants and other financial aid through student loans, enabled her to return to school and pursue her dream.

"I wouldn't have been able to do it without that (financial assistance)," Weitknect said. "When there's a will there's a way. You can find a way to make it happen."

Indeed, making it happen is just what she has done!

Columbia Principal Nancy Snider said that when Weitknecht was hired five years ago she really stood out. Snider described Weitknecht as an innovative teacher who gives above and beyond what is required.

"She has an enthusiasm that spreads like wildfire," Snider said. "She doesn't take things for granted. She's so appreciative of everything."

Weitknecht's passion and gifts for teaching also have impressed her Columbia colleagues, who selected her "Teacher of the Year" after just three years on the job.

Even though Weitknecht had always wanted to be a schoolteacher, her path to that goal was not a straight one. She spent 11 years doing clerical work for Ford motor company and then stayed home with her four children for a while.

In 1993, Weitknecht's thirst for knowledge prompted her decision to return to college. She said she had always heard wonderful things about Purdue Calumet and the quality of its education program. So at age 33, a visit to Purdue Calumet's Skills Assessment and Development Center led to her decision to enroll.

A year into her educational pursuit, Weitknecht divorced and was faced with the additional challenge of single motherhood. But, she indicated, her determination never faltered.

"What kept me going was my thirst and desire to succeed," she said, "and to provide a better life for my children."

Weitknecht said her time at Purdue Calumet boosted her self-esteem and made her more assertive. She said she found support in the friendships she formed with professors and peers.

At Columbia, Weitknecht is involved actively with the "Everyday Math Program," a research based mathematics curriculum aligned to Indiana state standards. She is among several teachers who piloted the program in the Hammond system and is part of a leadership cadre charged with training other Hammond teachers.

Weitknecht also is the core teacher/facilitator of her school's plan team-a group of teachers who drive school curriculum and assist the principal in developing classroom agendas.

Another of her ongoing projects is writing grant proposals that give her students opportunities to participate in special educational field trips.

Weitknecht described her life today as exciting and challenging.

"I love my life. I love teaching kids," she said. "I get up every morning wondering what today will be like."