With 38 years in education, Bonnie Guest is a cherished mentor throughout Northwest Indiana and is known for her commitment to students, families, and the community. She has become a passionate advocate for children’s education, particularly in special education.
Growing up in Hammond, Indiana, she was inspired by her elementary, middle, and high school teachers. Initially, she pursued a career in accounting and enrolled at Valparaiso University. However, as she explored her options, she realized her true calling was education.
“I loved the idea of working with kids and helping them learn,” Guest said.
After switching her major to education, Guest enrolled at Purdue University Calumet (now Purdue University Northwest). She completed her student teaching at Wilson Elementary School – the school she attended growing up, working with the same teachers who had once guided her when she was little. This experience has left an impact on her to this very day.
Guest’s teaching career began in August 1987 at Wilson Elementary, where she taught first grade. After several years in Indiana, Guest moved to Arizona for a short time but struggled to find a teaching job due to an oversupply of teachers in the state. She returned to Indiana and spent six years teaching in a Catholic school, where she taught both fourth and fifth grades for one year and first grade for the next three.
Guest’s path also took her to Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Valparaiso for one year before moving to Hayes Leonard Elementary, where she spent nine years. When Hayes Leonard closed, Guest joined Jones Elementary, where she’s remained for the past eight years. Guest plans to continue teaching at Jones for another 2.5 years, which would bring her total years of service to 40.
Although special education wasn’t Guest’s initial focus, life led her in that direction. Now in her 18th year in special education, she immensely enjoys her time within her field.
“Special education wasn’t my first choice, but I’ve grown to love it. The students’ personalities are great, and they really appreciate what you do for them,” Guest said.
Throughout her years of teaching, Guest has enjoyed watching her students’ progress. Her ability to connect with students in third, fourth, and fifth grades is one of the highlights of her career.
“You don’t always see the growth as quickly as you would in general education, but in special education you get to witness progress more directly, which is such a unique experience. I also really enjoy getting to know the families and seeing the siblings of my students come through. The connections with parents and families are one of the most rewarding parts of the job,” Guest said.
Outside of teaching, Guest has a variety of hobbies. She loves animals and has three cats: Sparty, a 12-year-old orange longtail; Claud, a 3-year-old gray cat; and Josie, a 1-year-old orange and white kitten. She also has a German shepherd. Guest enjoys sewing as well as quilting. Guest is quite an avid fan of Dr. Seuss and has a passion for British cars. She owns two Morris Garages models: a 1979 MGB named “The Cat,” and a 1956 MGA named “The Grinch.” Guest is also an active member of a car club in Illinois, where she shares her love of classic autos.
Family is an important part of Guest’s life. She has been married to her husband, Pat, for 35 years, and they have two adult children – Matthew and Cheryl – who also reside in Northwest Indiana.
As retirement approaches, Guest plans to travel and explore new places. However, she is not fully ready to leave the classroom behind.
“I’d love to sub after retirement,” Guest said.
After nearly four decades of teaching, Guest’s passion and dedication to her students remain strong, knowing that her work has made a lasting impact on the lives of her students and their families.