Janet Prochaska
Elementary Librarian
by Janet Prochaska
August 12, 2008
Janet Prochaska, Hiawatha Elementary Librarian
My journey began in Lancaster, Kansas where I was born and raised. I attended Effingham High School and went to college in Emporia, KS. After graduation and marriage to Rick Prochaska I taught Title I Reading in Pratt, KS for one year. The following year, I was hired as a first and second grade combination teacher in the Pratt Sacred Heart Schools. We made a move to Miltonvale, KS in the fall of 1976. While in Miltonvale, I was a stay-at-home mom with a son and daughter and work as a day-care provider.
In the fall of 1980, we moved to Perry, KS, where I continued to be a day-care provider. We had a second son while in Perry.
We came to Hiawatha in the fall of 1983. For ten years, I was a day-care provider for the community. After ten years in day-care, I returned to education as a para for USD 430 in Horton. The following year, I was hired to teach a first and second year combination classroom at Falls City Sacred Heart Schools. For the past 18 years, I have taught at Sacred Heart in the classroom and later became the school librarian after receiving my library certification from Fort Hays State University.
After 18 wonderful years at Sacred Heart, I am now happy to be teaching in my hometown community.
