» Our Mr. Proehl

By Amy Moss Strong
Editor
Thursday, June 11, 2009 | No comments posted. Jim Proehl has been going to school every day since 1959. He was five years old.

Now, at 55, he’s ready to take a break.

Proehl’s been working at Bandon High School for 31 years, teaching English, including literature classics, writing skills, humanities and journalism, among other classes.

His pending retirement has been lamented by many, including students who consider him their favorite teacher.

“Mr. Proehl’s the best,” said sophomore Chelsea Hill. “He, like, teaches you things that you will remember and that will be useful to you later.”

“He’s just really makes the subject interesting,” added sophomore Tyler Summa, “and he has a great sense of humor.” Many other students, both former and current, agree.

Proehl came by education naturally. He grew up in Vernonia with two brothers and a sister, where his father was the school superintendent and his mother a teacher and later a city librarian. Several others in the family also are in education.

Proehl was first interested in going into journalism but decided it wasn’t as secure as education. After graduating from Dakota State College, he immediately obtained a teaching position, and three years later took the job in Bandon.

A community-minded person, Proehl showed up at a Boy Scout meeting, wanting to help, only to be instantly recruited as a Scout leader, something he’s been doing ever since.

He plans to continue to spend more time volunteering, continuing as a Boy Scout leader, helping with work at Gross Creek, mentoring through the ASPIRE and BRAVO programs, helping with plays at Ocean Crest Elementary School and mowing “his” cemetery, something he’s also done for years.

Proehl also plans to spend time hiking, exploring Oregon, researching local history and taking a few classes. A bachelor, Proehl has no children of his own, but enjoys time with his nieces and nephews. In addition, he’s been like a father to many Boy Scouts in the area.

Jackie Lawrence, the parent of two sons who attend BHS, said Proehl has deeply influenced her boys, and choked up when she spoke about him recently.

Lawrence was a student herself at BHS when Proehl began teaching. 

“The unique thing about Jim is he is able to connect with all the students and their own learning styles regardless of who they are or where they come from and he fosters them to be better versions of themselves and that’s a gift. It’s been a gift to my family to have him in our lives.”

Principal Gaye Knapp began teaching at BHS a couple of years before Proehl arrived. She also holds him in high regard.

“He’s a very colorful person once you get to know him,” said Knapp. “He’s been a great mentor for hundreds of Boy Scouts. The humor and wit that he uses in senior English class is renowned. Kids just really, really like Mr. Proehl and he’s done a great job in his career.

“They just don’t make them like him anymore,” Knapp added.

Proehl hopes students will remember him. But more, he hopes they will remember what he has imparted: A love of knowledge.

“I really like sharing information and skills and, as teachers, we sometimes forget that’s what it’s all about,” Proehl said. “One thing nobody can take away from you is information. My advice to my students is to acquire every piece of information that you can. It makes life more meaningful.”