Ms. Hillrichs with one of her students. Student identities are protected through intentional blur. Ms. Hillrichs is a case manager that supports her students in the classroom and one-on-one. She says the most important part of her job is “understanding how each one of them learns best.”
Ms. Hillrichs has worked in education for 14 years as a case manager, co-teaching in English classes while quietly managing a caseload that most people never see. She spends her days writing educational plans, collecting data, and meeting one-on-one with students who need more than a grade.
“I like working with kids and helping them with problems,” she said.
Her presence in the classroom is supportive. Students describe her as approachable before they understand what her job actually involves.
“She’s not my teacher, but she helps me,” one student said. “She has a supportive and positive teaching style. She is kind, fairly happy, and creates a comfortable environment that makes it easier to learn.”
The work behind the scenes is less visible. On any given day, Hillrichs co-teaches, tracks student progress, writes individualized education plans, and checks in with every student on her caseload—a balancing act she says people underestimate.
“They think my job is easy, but I have to juggle between collecting data, helping students in class, writing educational plans for students, and meeting with caseload students,” she said.
Her approach to that work starts with listening. When a student is struggling—academically or personally—Hillrichs said her first move is not to fix, but to hear.
“I listen to them and partner with them to help find solutions,” she said.
That partnership has produced moments she carries with her. One student on her caseload wanted to graduate early. Hillrichs helped him build a plan. He walked.
“I helped one of my caseload students put together a plan to graduate early, and he was able to do so,” she said.
“What makes Miss Hillrichs different from other teachers I’ve had is her kind and fairly happy attitude. She creates a positive and welcoming classroom environment, which makes it easier to feel comfortable and participate. Compared to other teachers, she brings a more supportive and upbeat energy to the class, which makes learning more enjoyable,” said a senior student.
While student identities are protected through intentional blur, the relationships are real. As a case manager, she works closely with students to guide, support, and advocate for their success.
Students notice the difference between being managed and being believed in. One described a moment when confusion over a lesson turned into confidence because Hillrichs didn’t move on until the student understood.
“She took the time to explain it to me in a different way and made sure I understood before moving on,” the student said. “She was patient and encouraging, which made me feel more comfortable asking questions.”
Hillrichs said the foundation of that kind of support is straightforward: students have to feel heard before they can be helped.
“I make sure they feel heard and feel comfortable enough to share their needs,” she said.
What she wants them to take with them after graduation is less about academics and more about belief.
“Never give up, believe in themselves, and not listen to negative people,” she said.
And when they’re gone — when the IEPs are filed and the data is archived — she hopes they remember one thing about the woman who worked behind the scenes.
“That I cared about them as individuals and believed in their ability to succeed,” Hillrichs said.
One student already does.
“Because of her, I’ve grown more as a student.”
While student identities are protected through intentional blur, the impact is clear. As a school case manager, she works one-on-one with students to ensure they have the support and resources they need to thrive. (Kaia Echternkamp)
She takes the time to explain it to me in a different way and made sure I understood before moving on. She is patient and encouraging, which made me feel more comfortable asking questions. Because of her help, I was able to understand the lesson better and feel more confident in my work,” said a Wakeland student.
About the author:
Kaia is a senior in the photojournalism class. She loves baseball and has practiced photography at baseball and basketball games. She picked Ms. Hillrichs to profile because:
“Miss Hillrichs has impacted me by creating a classroom where I feel supported and encouraged to do my best. She explains things in a way that makes learning easier to understand, and she helps me feel more confident when I participate or ask questions. Because of her, I’ve grown more as a student.”
