Name: Todd and Karla Hadler

Ages: 40 and 38

Educational background: Todd: associate degree in liberal arts from Bethany Lutheran College, bachelor's of science degree in psychology from Minnesota State University, master's degree in counseling from Concordia University, and an educational administration certificate.

Karla: associate degree in liberal arts from Bethany Lutheran College, a bachelor's of science degree in elementary education from Minnesota State University.

Where you live: Manitowoc with their daughter, Kasey, 13, and sons, Tanner, 9, and Brady, 3.

Position/What do you do: Karla is a first-grade teacher at James Monroe Elementary School and Todd is a school counselor at Monroe and Franklin Elementary Schools. Todd splits his time between counseling and teaching "Steps to Respect," a bullying and violence prevention program in both schools, to grades one through six.

Work challenges/satisfactions: "This year I have a group of 24, which is big," Karla says. "So the challenge is meeting all their needs academically, socially, emotionally, and having them learn at the same time. That's my biggest challenge, and I'm up for it."

Karla says most of the children come to school excited to learn, which makes her job fun. "Just seeing their faces when they finally get something," she says. "It just lights up, and it's so cool … and they force me to look at things differently which is really neat. They think out of the box."

As a school counselor, Todd's goal is to help students understand as much as they can about who they are, and learn about different careers and being contributing members of society.

"It is extremely satisfying to see students and parents together planning for their future and having clear educational career goals, and applying themselves academically to reach those goals," says Todd.

Career goals: "I'm not sure what the future will hold because counseling is a natural fit," Todd says, "but taking classes for the last couple of years to become a principal has me thinking and leaning toward school leadership."

Karla is considering pursuing a master's degree, but knows she always wants to be a teacher. "In first grade we had to write what we wanted to be when we grew up and I drew myself in front of a classroom," says Karla with a smile.

Mentors/others who inspire you: "My coworkers," Karla says. "They motivate and inspire me to do better and to learn and try new things—and also the kids and my own children … of course Todd, because he's always a big supporter, and it really helps to have him on my side."

"My wife," says Todd. "I'm amazed at her teaching ability, her level of enthusiasm, her smile, and her love for the students in her classroom." Todd also appreciates Superintendent Mark Swanson's and Principals Bill Bertsche's and Keith Wakeman's leadership, as well as the MPSD pupil services staff.

Advice for other young professionals: "Surround yourself with positive people," advises Karla. "They will help you stay focused and motivated to do your best and not get burned down." Todd agrees, adding, "Stay true to your values and continue to work hard."

Community involvement: Karla sings in her church choir, and the whole family supports Todd's baseball teams. He coaches 9th grade legion baseball and is assistant coach for Lincoln High School. Todd also is elementary vice president for the Wisconsin School Counselor Association, and teaches a graduate class based off the "9 Essential Skills for the Love and Logic Classroom."

Enjoyable activities away from work: Karla enjoys scrapbooking and playing with her kids, often playing Rockband with the whole family — she's lead vocalist. "Sometimes I laugh so hard I can't even sing," she says.

"Spending time at home, athletics, fishing, softball, golf, Minnesota Vikings training camp," says Todd, "and driving my parents' boat just fast enough so our kids fall out of the tube."