Alta Mayhugh|Williston Herald Dennis Hoffer, education technology teacher at Williston High School, helps student Brittany Storm with an assignment last Wednesday. Hoffer is retiring after teaching for 34 years at WHS.
Dennis Hoffer has taught at WHS since 1975. The course he teaches was known as industrial arts 34 years ago.Â
Back then, when students weren’t working in the shop, they were using pen and paper for drafting, Hoffer said. So much has changed in more than 30 years, as computers are used for drafting, and the course is called technology education, he said.
The change in course name reflects its shift from manual use to computer use, and from general shop to computer use, Hoffer said.
Hoffer has taken “the bull by the horns” in teaching computer-aided drafting and design and is working with the college on a dual-credit program for the classes, Kittleson said. “He’s actually gone above and beyond as far as finding new things to be teaching,” Kittleson said.
Hoffer is a 1968 graduate of WHS and was a defensive back in football while in high school. He earned his bachelor’s in technology education from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and a vocational degree in drafting.Â
In 1973, he began his teaching career in Trenton and moved to WHS two years later. In addition to serving WHS as teacher, Hoffer also has coached the high school’s football and basketball teams.Â
After he retires, Hoffer plans to spend time in Grand Forks with his daughter, who’s husband is being deployed to Kosovo. She has a 1-year-old daughter, and a child at that age can be a handful for a mother trying to raise her on her own, Hoffer said. His other daughter lives in Fargo.
He also plans to work part time, perhaps as a substitute teacher, a bus driver or as a contract carpenter; go fishing and help people with a variety of projects.Â
“I just have to find the right job so I’m not working full time,” he said with a smile.Â
Hoffer said he’ll miss coaching and interacting with the students once he leaves. Kittleson said he and the students will miss Hoffer as well.Â
“You’re talkin’ a man with that many years of experience...the kids just care for him deeply, and he will truly, truly be missed,” Kittleson said. Â
Hoffer and his wife Laurey live in Williston. She’s a secretary at Lewis and Clark Elementary School.
Comments
Lynn Eileen Kjorstad wrote on Apr 13, 2009 8:05 PM:
Linda Swenson Baker wrote on Apr 11, 2009 1:07 PM:
Kevin Owan wrote on Apr 10, 2009 3:07 PM:
Congratulations on your retirement and also on a great dedicated career. I look back (oh so many years ago) and appreciate your guidance as an educator and coach(especially your half-time 'pep-talk' during the Fargo South Semi-Final -lol). Your impact lives on.
PS. Enjoy those fishing trips with Coach Hermes!! "
Barry Haugen wrote on Apr 10, 2009 1:08 PM:
You will be sorely missed at Williston High School. Best of luck! "
Maureen Conlin Hamilton wrote on Apr 9, 2009 8:14 PM:
So happy to read the nice story in the Williston Herald on your retirement.....what was that word? RETIREMENT!!!! Didn't we just graduate? I guess there is something to say about the spirit.....that old Williston spirit....that keeps the heart young. Somehow, I still believe that we are in our 30's....I guess I chose to believe that thinking "young" keeps you young. So, as you move through this change in your life, know that I am happy for you. I can only believe that you are and always will be an amazing teacher and individual. May God bless you with good health and grant you many many more years with your family and loved ones. Maureen Conlin Hamilton
PS. Can't believe that I missed that reunion last year. What was I thinking?? Never again. Live and learn. "
Heather Harris wrote on Apr 9, 2009 12:24 AM:
Dean Hermes wrote on Apr 7, 2009 8:52 PM:
Your retirement is much deserved. You are a great educator and coach who has influenced many young Willistonites. Again Congrats! Stop by this summer and I'll give you some fishing and fish cleaning tips. Your Friend and Neighbor "
Rob Borseth wrote on Apr 7, 2009 4:24 PM:
Dee Martin Sundheim wrote on Apr 7, 2009 2:25 PM:
Paul A. Lutz wrote on Apr 6, 2009 2:57 PM:
Congrats on a great career. You were a big influence on me and want to thank you for the push you gave me to chase my dream. I did and it's been great. Thanks again and good luck in future endeavors. "
Mandi Hoffer Green wrote on Apr 6, 2009 1:58 PM:
Brett McCrummen wrote on Apr 5, 2009 10:43 AM:
Hugh Long wrote on Apr 5, 2009 10:29 AM: