January Teacher Feature: Mr. Kougl

Photo submitted by Mr. Kougl.

Grace Strelow

The first Teacher Feature of 2023 goes to Mr. Kougl. He attended UWWC, UW-Madison, and UWM. Mr. Kougl has taught for 34 years–nine years here at HHS and over twenty years at West Bend West (WBW). A fellow science department teacher, Ms. Wainio, adds, “He makes working at Hamilton a better place! His love of chemistry is only surpassed by his love of bad puns and jokes.” 

Outside of school, Mr. Kougl is a big sports enthusiast; however, he is now limited due to knee injuries. Luckily for him, he can still enjoy sports by watching NFL and Badgers Basketball. He also claims he is a weather nerd. 

Mr. Kougl’s wife is also a teacher; she teaches at WBW and teaches various classes ranging from AP Human Geography, Sociology, and Global studies. He has four children. His oldest daughter is an academic advisor at UWM, and his second daughter is currently a nursing student. Finally, he has 17-year-old twins; his son attends Slinger High, and his daughter goes to WBW. 

Mrs. Trafficante, also a Hamilton Science teacher, adds, “Mr. Kougl is an asset to the Science department here at Hamilton. He is passionate about Chemistry and the well-being of his students. His knowledge of the subject matter is extensive and he is always available to help students throughout the school day.  Not only is Mr. Kougl a dedicated teacher, but he is also a supportive colleague and friend."

Read on to find out more about Mr. Kougl! 

If you won 100 million dollars what would you buy first?

I would pay off my house.

How do you think students will remember you or your class?

Hopefully, I made them think, in a fun way.

What are you absolutely determined to do?

Have my new slang word “spish” (replacement for “sus”) spread worldwide.

If you could get rid of anything, what would it be?

Mosquitos.  I know it would have dramatic ecological effects, but I hate ‘em.

What is the best advice you have received? 

Don’t get rid of all the mosquitos.  It could have devastating ecological effects.

What would you rather do: meet your future self, or go back in time and talk with your past self? Why?

Future.  I could make sure things worked out and change if they didn’t.

What were you like when you were in high school?

Poor and lacking self-confidence. Geeky.

What’s your favorite place on earth?

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Could you see yourself as a middle school or elementary teacher?  Why/why not?

Never.  I can’t handle their energy.

What is your favorite TV show? movie?

Brooklyn 9-9 really makes me laugh.  A Time to Kill

What's your favorite age group to teach (freshman, sophomore, etc.) Why?

Older than 9th. Do I really need to explain that?

What is your second favorite subject? (besides the one you are teaching now)

History

How have your previous teachers shaped your teaching style?

Ms. Leong, my Chinese English teacher, was the best.  She gave everyone a chance and had an intense sense of fairness.

What would you change about Hamilton and why?

I am going to plead the 5th.

If you could meet anyone in history who would be and why?

Jimmy Carter . He is just such a good person.  I wish I were as good of a person as him.

What mystery do you wish you knew the answer to?

Why are we here?

What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas.  

What do you do during summer vacation?

Reenergize.  I read a lot.

What is your favorite place you have traveled to? 

Croatia, followed closely by Iceland.

What is your favorite hobby?

Traveling, but it’s sooo expensive.