A Fond Farewell

Jill Oemichen retired in June 2021 after teaching 1st grade at USM for an incredible 33 years.

During her remarkable career at University School of Milwaukee, Jill Oemichen helped to guide and support more than 500 1st grade students through triumphs, achievements, frustrations, and—especially—wiggly teeth. “I will definitely miss the entire USM community and my daily interactions with the kids,” she said. “Working with 6- and 7-year olds was always so special.” Colleagues and parents will miss her steady hand and incredible wealth of knowledge of early childhood education.

Oemichen announced her retirement at the very end of the 2020-21 school year. “Families often comment on Jill’s calm and caring demeanor and her being the perfect fit for their child as they progress further into Lower School,” said Michael Tauscher, head of Preschool and Lower School. “Each lesson she develops incorporates many opportunities for movement as she is keenly aware of the developmental needs of 1st grade children. She is a soft-spoken advocate for children and their families, and we will miss her.”