ILoveFDL Hometown Heroes Q&A with Gillian King

Gillian King is a teacher at Woodworth Middle School. For the last 30 years, Gillian has helped shape the lives of students throughout Fond du Lac by providing more than just an education but also by leading the school’s Adopt-a-Family program and establishing Caring Closets to assist the students in both their school and home lives. Gillian says, “I strive to create a positive, welcoming classroom where students feel safe, supported, and valued for who they are. Teaching, to me, is about more than academics—it’s about building relationships, trust, and a sense of belonging.” Thank you, Gillian, for the time, care and dedication you give to Fond du Lac’s youth, and for making a meaningful difference in our community!

What does a typical day or week look like for you? 
A typical day for me starts with greeting students and checking in with them—sometimes about school, sometimes about life. My classroom is a place where students know they are welcome, and I try to set a positive tone right away. Throughout the day, I balance teaching content with building relationships, encouraging curiosity, and making sure students feel supported and understood.

What inspired you to work with children or teens? 
I’ve always been inspired by the relationships I build with students and the chance to be a steady, caring presence in their lives. Kids are honest, resilient, and full of potential, and I love helping them feel safe, confident, and capable. 

What keeps you motivated, especially on challenging days? 
The relationships I’ve built with students and families over the years keeps me motivated. I know that being consistent, patient, and kind matters—especially on the hard days. Even small moments, like a conversation, a smile, or a student feeling supported, make the challenges worth it and keep me moving forward.

Is there a moment or experience that reminded you why your work matters? 
It’s often the quiet ones that mean the most: a student who finally feels comfortable enough to ask for help, a family who reaches out because they trust me, or a former student who comes back to share how they’re doing. Those moments remind me that what we do goes far beyond lessons and content. Knowing that I’ve been a steady, caring presence for students and families over the years is what continually reminds me why this work matters. 

What part of your work are you most proud of? 
Getting to know my students and their families, earning their trust, and being someone they know they can count on means everything to me. I’m proud of the classroom environment I’ve built, where kids feel safe, supported, and curious about learning—especially science. I love helping students explore, ask questions, and grow in their understanding of the world around them. I’m also proud of the work I’ve done outside the classroom through the Adopt-a-Family program and the Caring Closet. At the end of the day, knowing that students and families feel cared for and supported is what matters most to me.

What does the Fond du Lac community mean to you? 
My community means everything to me, and it’s a big reason I’ve stayed in education for the last 30
years. The work we do for students and families would not be possible without the incredible support of local organizations and community members who truly care about our kids. The Charity Club, SSM Health, Rotary Club, Fondy Food Pantry, and many generous community families consistently support our Caring Closet and help meet real needs for our students. Through their generosity, we receive coats, clothing, food, hygiene items, and donations for our Caring Closet and our Adopt-a-Family program. This support allows us to respond quickly when a student or family needs help and reminds our students that they are cared for not just by their school, but by an entire community that truly wants them to succeed. 

What do you wish people better understood about working with youth today? 
I wish people better understood how much kids today are carrying with them. Many students come to school dealing with challenges outside the classroom, and that affects how they show up each day. Working with youth requires patience, flexibility, and a lot of compassion. It’s not just about teaching content—it’s about building trust, creating a safe space, and meeting students where they are. When students feel supported and understood, they are far more able to learn and grow.

What do you hope young people gain from your guidance or support? 
I hope my students leave my classroom or Woodworth knowing they are capable, valued, and
supported. I want them to feel confident in who they are, comfortable asking questions, and willing to try even when things feel challenging. More than anything, I hope they remember that I believe in them, care about them, and want them to succeed—not just in school, but in life.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and finding ways to recharge. I enjoy
biking, which gives me time to clear my head, be outdoors, and slow down a bit.

What is your favorite activity in Fond du Lac? 
My favorite activity in Fond du Lac is the biking loop. It’s my go-to place to clear my head, enjoy the
outdoors, and recharge. It’s a simple routine, but it’s something I really look forward to and appreciate about our community.

Anything else you’d like to share with the community: 
I truly love this community and feel very lucky to be part of it. The kindness, generosity, and support
shown to our students and families is something I see every day, and it never goes unnoticed. Thank you for trusting me with your children, for supporting the work we do, and for always showing up when it matters most. It’s the reason I’ve stayed, and the reason I continue to love what I do.