Written by Madi Adams
This year Julie Stein will be retiring after twenty years as an Algona High School counselor. Stein has spent 32 years in education total. At Algona, she organizes and oversees scheduling as well as helping students in any way she can. She provides support and a listening ear to students who may be struggling. Above all, Stein helps out in every aspect within the school and is greatly appreciated. Before her time at AHS, Stein was a school counselor at West Bend Mallard, Pocahontas, Urbandale, and Humboldt.
Stein began her time as high school counselor in 2004. She has since enjoyed every minute of her job. The favorite parts of her job are “seeing and watching kids grow in high school and having variety with something new every day.”
In her twenty years at AHS, Stein has made a lasting impression. One senior, Adeline Reynolds, says, “I’m so thankful that I was able to get to know Mrs. Stein over the last four years. She is such an influential and supportive person! She will be missed at AHS.”
Mrs. Stein enjoys every aspect of the high school environment and getting to know each and every student. Stein says that her favorite memory from her time at AHS would be “Superstars because I get to see students step out of their comfort zone and get competitive.”
For Stein, it is very rewarding to see AHS alumni in her everyday life and to witness the successes they have after high school. “I have had the opportunity to work with former students at school, they are my bankers, they cut my hair, they fix my car, they adjust my glasses, landscape my yard, and even have given me grandchildren! It is amazing!”
Over her career, Mrs. Stein would describe many colleagues who have had an impact on her and many who will always be close to her heart, both past and present. She especially feels honored and grateful to have worked with her husband in two different districts for 20 of her 32 years and with her son for five years. She feels like they learned from each other in many ways and have been an unwavering support for each other. “I wouldn’t trade that for the world,” she states.
Stein plans to spend retirement relaxing with her husband and spending time with her kids and grandkids.
Thank you Mrs. Stein for everything you've done at AHS! You will be missed!