Jodi Carufel, an eighth-grade language arts teacher at Olson Middle School, is celebrating her 30th year of teaching, having spent her entire career at the Bloomington school where she once was a student.

Carufel moved to Bloomington in sixth grade and attended what was then Normandale Hills Elementary before continuing to Olson Junior High for seventh and eighth grades. She graduated from Jefferson High School and returned to teach at Olson after college, fulfilling a prediction she made in a letter to herself during her college years.

The veteran educator said her teaching philosophy has evolved over three decades from focusing primarily on academics to emphasizing student support and encouragement. She works to help students envision their futures and build confidence, regardless of their academic performance.

Carufel credits two of her former English teachers, Mrs. Koppelman and Mrs. Bergtold, with having a significant impact on her life during her own junior high years. She said those experiences shaped her approach to being what she calls a "champion" for students who may need additional support.

Current students describe Carufel as caring, understanding and passionate about teaching. One former student told her that a mock trial exercise in eighth grade inspired her to pursue a career in law, majoring in sociology, criminology and justice.