Hi! I’m Jim Ferwerda, a 37-year veteran teacher at Mukwonago High School. I am a lifelong Wisconsin resident, born in Milwaukee, but grew up in Madison. I graduated (twice!) from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, with a Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology and Math Education. After I started teaching at MHS, I earned a Master’s degree in Educational Computing from Cardinal Stritch University. About 6 years ago I was fortunate to be able to help imagine and implement (with Scott Pratt) an IT Academy at MHS, where students get specialized training in technology and get opportunities to intern in information technology and computer science. My Christian faith has informed every aspect of my life. I serve as the chairman of the board of West African Mercy Ministries, a ministry providing care for abandoned, terminally ill, and disabled children in Ghana, West Africa. I believe that our faith needs to demonstrated in daily life, where showing compassion, understanding, and love to those around us is the fruit of what our human calling should be.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife Beth and I have been married for more than 37 years. We met in high school but didn’t start dating until after college. We have two wonderful children, an amazing daughter-in-law, and the cutest grandson ever.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
What I love best about teaching is making a difference in the lives of students.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Shanahans Coffee Shop is our favorite, but we probably frequent Culvers more than anywhere else.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
37 years – before there were stop lights and McDonalds!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Without a doubt, the 4000+ students I’ve had the privilege of teaching have all been interesting!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Ghana… I miss seeing my kids at the Children’s Home…
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I enjoy watching sports, especially hockey and football.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Wear a mask; wear it in consideration of others. A person who cares about other people will wear a mask in public, for one never knows if the people around them are immune compromised. To do otherwise is selfish.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’d like to take a long bike trip across the state.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
David Crowder Band
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Charlie’s Shake Shop (see if anyone remembers that!)
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Jimmy Carter; his faith in action has done more in his post-presidency than any other president. We’d meet at Shanahan’s.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Our IT Academy is unlike anything in the state of Wisconsin
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Retired, living in Madison, and taking in every UW Women’s Hockey game
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Hmmm… I’ll pass…
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Mackinac Island
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
September is my favorite month – I love the season of Fall. Best holiday is Thanksgiving – can’t go wrong with food and family!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Dad humor
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My faith in Jesus
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Freshly cleaned baby
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, Humor, Shalom
