Mr. Mark Koehler is set to retire from Notre Dame Regional High School after 33 years at the school. Mr. Koehler has served Notre Dame students in many areas, including teaching in six academic departments.

“Mark Koehler has dedicated his life to furthering Catholic education. Mr. Koehler has been so readily involved not only in the classroom but also in so many other ways at the high school,” said Principal Tim Garner.

Mr. Koehler currently teaches Earth Science, Accounting, Geography, Psychology, coaches the JV Scholar Bowl team and has a junior homeroom. Additionally, Mr. Koehler spent 25 years as the chairman of the Theology department and 15 years as Notre Dame’s Campus Minister. He started the school’s Christian Service Program, Holy Week Retreat and Service Day Program. He was the first faculty member to lead students in the March for Life, and played an integral role in developing the Kairos and Emmaus Retreats.

“Whether it was TEC retreats and Camp Re-NEW-All in the earlier years, or Notre Dame’s own Kairos and Emmaus retreats, Mark has wanted to share his faith with the youth of the area. He has also led students on trips around the globe and had many memorable experiences teaching about those destinations,” added Mr. Garner.

Mr. Koehler’s travels included 25 educational trips to Europe with over 500 students.

He has also served as a Liturgical Musician and played in the orchestra for several musicals.

“Mark has always been quick to offer a helping hand, whether that be as a musician for Mass or a prayer service, or to offer his vast knowledge in teaching so many different subjects,” said Mr. Garner. “Mark is one of the most learned individuals that I know. He has been such a valuable asset as a teacher to Notre Dame because of his generosity and wealth of knowledge.”

Mr. Koehler holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from St. Mary’s College, a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southeast Missouri State University, and a Masters in Religious Education from Loyola University. He is a member of the National Science Teachers Association, American Classical League (Latin) and National Catholic Educational Association.

“Mark truly understands that being a teacher in a Catholic school is not just a job. It is a mission for which we are called,” said Mr. Garner. “Thank you for your many years of service Mr. Koehler.”

Mr. Koehler plans to spend more time with his family in his retirement, remodeling his house, and camping more often.