JOHN “CHIN” KLEIN

GIVING HIS BEST TO GET THE BEST FROM SPECIAL-ED KIDS

When asked What he considers the most rewarding part of his work as an emotional and behavioral disabilities teacher at South Milwaukee High School, John “Chin” Klein (photo, opposite

page) takes a deep breath. “Wow.” He is on a break between his daughters’ soccer games, a weekend task he manages to fit into his busy schedule of teaching and coaching girls rugby. Klein’s sturdy build and lantern jaw (which earned him his nickname as a kid) belie the emotion in his eyes as he considers the question. Klein grew up in a poor family in a poor neighborhood near Washington Park. Both of Klein’s parents, and his sister, were born with cognitive disabilities. With neither of his parents able to read, Klein had to take an active role in running the household at the age of 9.

“It was all that I knew, so I didn’t really see it as a challenge,” Klein says. “To be honest, I didn’t feel like I wanted for much. My parents loved me and that was all that I needed.”

With the financial help of a wealthy benefactor, Klein was able to attend Marquette University. He decided to become a teacher and, out of respect for his family, focused on special education. Klein uses his life story as a means of reaching his students. “I think the kids understand that I’m not someone who has gone through life with no problems at all,” he says. “[That] gives you a little bit of an opening to make a connection and to build a relationship.”

“John’s vocabulary does not include the phrase ‘give up,’” says South Milwaukee High principal Beth Kaminski. “I am lucky and proud to be able to call John a member of our staff.”

Klein works with a very different group of young people in his role as head coach of the girls’ rugby team at Divine Savior Holy Angels High School in Milwaukee. Although Klein has led the team to six national championships, he views success in coaching as something that isn’t measured by titles or trophies. “The winning is not that important. It’s about the experience and the fact that the girls get the best and the most out of it.”

And why does he do it? “I think I do this all for my kids. I want them to know that you always give the best. And if you give the best, you’re going to get the best. Life is a precious gift,” he says softly. “I think that’s why I do it.”