They met through their Viterbo Master of Arts in Education program and graduated together in 2009. 14 years later, this group of women from Green Bay and surrounding areas are more than educators networking over careers and classrooms. They are known as The Viterbo Eight. They created lasting friendships where all eight support one another through life’s ups and downs, share milestones and career news, and cherish their frequent get-togethers.

Tracy Coopmans is a literacy coach at Lineville Intermediate School in the Howard-Suamico School District. She is celebrating her 29^th year in education. “What I love about our group is that we all have various backgrounds and experiences, yet have so much in common. We have supported each other through our life’s milestones, both good and bad.”

Coopmans shared that she loved making connections with other educators and having a week during the pro seminar to really concentrate on her education and new friendships.

“Build a strong network of support and never be afraid to reach out for help,” Coopmans offered new teachers.

Kathi Swanson has taught at Kennedy Elementary School in the Green Bay School District for the past 17 years, and before that, with Oconto Falls for five years. Swanson is a reading interventionist.

“Even though we are all different, we work in different school districts and teach different subjects or grades, we just clicked,” Swanson said. “We all had the thesis writing class in Pulaski. Although some of us had met before, it was the first time we were together in one class. For our week-long trip to La Crosse, we booked a hotel and shared rooms. We planned meals together and went to one another’s presentations.”

 “These ladies are everything to me,” Swanson said. “We know each other’s issues and support each other. We have cried about school or family. We have watched each other’s kids grow up.” She shared that her son, now 26, was in Coopmans’ classroom 20 years ago. “My youngest son and Tracy's son were in the same grade and became close friends and college roommates.”

Swanson explained she is grateful for the bond created in graduate school. “The camaraderie I found with these seven women has enriched my life, and it would not have happened without Viterbo. I am eternally grateful for the experience and friendships.”

Katrina Pearson teaches third graders at Green Bay’s Webster Elementary – Children’s Center for Integrated Arts. She explained that even though it can be difficult to coordinate schedules, it means a lot for the Viterbo Eight to get together. “It means a night of laughter!  We are in different buildings and districts so you get a chance to vent or find out that the grass isn't always greener someplace else,” Pearson said. 

“We pass phones around to see the latest rounds of prom, sports, or baby cuteness,” Pearson added. “I also look forward to hearing about the ‘little rascal’ in a certain building and what he or she has done lately. We also compare curriculums and get the inside scoop.”

“My favorite gathering happens at Christmas.  We usually are at Susie's house and we exchange ornaments. We always take a photo because  it is the one time per year when we all make it. When we are eight.”

Pearson said that she appreciated the variety of Viterbo course offerings and the format. “We still remember reading the books for seminar and talk about them. They were relevant. We all cried in class as we took turns reading chapters of The Last Lecture aloud,” Pearson remembered.

Julie Ditty has taught at Howard Elementary in the Howard-Suamico School District for 20 years, as a reading interventionist and a classroom teacher.

Ditty shared that the monthly gatherings have kept the Viterbo 8 connected. “Professionally, it means that I have a support system, both in and outside of my district,” she said.

“I have learned so much from these women as professionals, even though we teach different subjects and at different grade levels, ranging from kindergarten to high school. Personally, it means I have had their love and support through the most difficult and most beautiful times in my life.”

Ditty explained how she started the MA-ED program to help create opportunities and options. “I started with my reading license and continued with the program for my master’s,” she said. She transitioned from a classroom teacher to a reading interventionist while she was in the midst of working on her master’s program.

“It is my passion to help students who are struggling with reading. I struggled with reading as a child, so I know how hard it can be. Obtaining my reading license and master's from Viterbo has allowed me to help hundreds of struggling readers find success,” Ditty said.  

“My advice to new teachers is to be patient with yourself. Teaching is a challenging profession. Find colleagues who support you and always be willing to learn more, ask questions, and reflect. After 20 years, I am still striving to be better for students than I was the day before.”

As Janice Huhtala completes her 24^th year, she offers advice to teachers in their early careers. “Take it one day at a time. Lean on others to help you. Take advantage of going into your colleague’s room to watch and learn,” she said.

Huhtala teaches at Howard-Suamico’s Meadowbrook Elementary. The teaching connection brought their group together, but friendship heightened the connection and made it even more valuable. “We can share our joys and our frustrations with each other, problem solve, and celebrate,” she said. “Each of us has at least one other person in our school district, so we have that in common also. That helps with connection, too.”

“Our Christmas gathering is always fun,” she said. “The evening is filled with joy and laughter. It is such a special tradition.”

“I will always be grateful for my time and education at Viterbo. I absolutely enjoyed learning, collaborating, and meeting new people while earning my degree.”

Susie Ness is a fourth-generation teacher and her daughter fifth-generation. Ness retired from the Ashwaubenon School District in 2023 to return to the classroom as a part-time K-5 Spanish teacher in Green Bay.

“It was a joy to complete my master’s degree with Viterbo. I enjoyed my professors and appreciated being able to take courses in Green Bay. That opportunity allowed me to meet and become close friends with the other seven ladies,” she explained.

One highlight of the year for the Viterbo Eight, Ness said, is the annual pontoon boat ride at Kim’s house. “We are proud of our long friendship,” she said.

“We really are a unique blend of elementary, middle, and high school teachers. From reading specialist, interventionist, kindergarten, and science, we always find common ground and we always have fun.”

“My advice to all new teachers is the same advice I got from my own mother, who was also a teacher. Always start from a place of love. Your students must know that you truly care about them, and not just about their academic progress, but also about their lives. It is nearly impossible to teach a child who doesn’t believe you care. Students will respect and respond to a caring, loving teacher. Start with love and follow up with a solid plan for an engaging class.”