New middle/high school administrator: Jan Bue-Wells

Bringing small-town feel and passion for education to I-S School District

Jan Bue-Wells

Courtesy Iola-Scandinavia School District

The Iola-Scandinavia School District welcomes its new middle/high school administrator, Jan Bue-Wells, an experienced educator with a strong commitment to fostering a personalized learning environment. Bue-Wells, who has spent significant time in the Evansville and Milton school districts, brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for education to her new role.

Bue-Wells, a native of Evansville, Wisconsin, has a rich educational background, having attended Evansville High School before pursuing her higher education at UW–Whitewater and UW–Milwaukee. Her journey into education was seemingly preordained, as she recalled, “From the time I was 5 years old, I was telling people that I was going to be a teacher. It was never really a choice, just a fact.” While she initially entered college with a focus on Music Education and later explored English, she ultimately embraced Mathematics as her calling.

Her dedication to smaller school districts was inspired by her time spent teaching in both Brookfield and Milton, which, despite being larger than Iola-Scandinavia, shared a close-knit community atmosphere she cherished. “I’m comfortable with that and prefer the individualized and personal attention that students have in a smaller school district,” Bue-Wells affirmed.

With a daughter who recently graduated from UW–EauClaire in Creative Writing and Spanish and a son embarking on online classes for criminal justice while pursuing his passion for hockey, Bue-Wells’s commitment to education is deeply ingrained in her family life. She shared, “There is no greater reward than seeing the light go on above a student’s head as they learn and grow.”

Outside of her professional life, Bue-Wells finds solace in reading during the cooler months and indulges in outdoor activities like gardening, hiking, and yard work when the weather warms up. She’s also an avid traveler, having explored all 50 states, Mexico, Canada, and Spain with her children. An interesting tidbit about her past is a static line skydiving experience at the age of 25, where quick thinking and training saved the day.

In her previous community, Bue-Wells was an active member and president of the Optimist Club, dedicated to enriching the lives of local children. While not a dedicated sports fan herself, she supported her children’s athletic endeavors by attending soccer and hockey games.

“I am excited to join the Iola-Scandinavia School District and contribute to its tradition of fostering a nurturing and engaging learning environment for students,” Bue-Wells expressed.

The Iola-Scandinavia School District eagerly anticipates the positive impact that Jan Bue-Wells will bring to the students, staff, and community as she assumes her role as the new middle/high school administrator.