54 Years and counting

With his entire career spent working for New Ulm schools, 44 years as a social studies teacher, and 10 years as a substitute teacher, Mr. Poncin is one of New Ulm’s longest-working teachers. 

Born in Nicollet in 1946, Edward Joseph Poncin attended Nicollet High School. He was involved in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He graduated in 1964 and moved to Mankato to attend Minnesota State University. He studied history and graduated in 1968. In December of 1968, he was interviewed to be a social studies teacher at New Ulm Junior High School, and on Christmas Eve day 1968, he got a call back that he got the job. 

He started working in January of 1969 by teaching seventh-grade history. He worked at New Ulm Junior High School for 39 years then 5 years at New Ulm High School. He taught American history, world history, and geography, and he taught driver’s ed for 20 years in New Ulm and 23 years in Sleepy Eye. He coached boys’ tennis for 43 years and football for 40 years.

In January 2012, he retired and in the fall of 2012 he was called about a substitute teacher position at New Ulm High School. He didn’t initially think he would enjoy it but tried it for a semester and ended up liking it and has continued doing it ever since. “Teaching helps to keep my brain stimulated,” Poncin said. 

He stayed in New Ulm for his family, having all 6 of his children go through New Ulm schools, but he kept teaching because he enjoyed the students. Now with 54 years working for New Ulm schools, there’s no end in sight. “Only time will tell when I retire from subbing,” Poncin said.