Bessie Klug: A Life in Music and Education
Born in West Chicago in 1912, Bessie Klug’s lifelong journey in music and education began when she started piano lessons at the age of 8. Her passion for music continued throughout her high school years, inspiring her to pursue a career as a music teacher.
Bessie’s educational path led her to the Columbia School of Music in Chicago, where she honed her musical talents. After graduating, she embarked on her teaching career, spending a year teaching at three different schools. The following school year, she found herself in Gary, Indiana, where she taught music to students of all grades. However, the demanding schedule led her to reconsider her teaching location.
With the help of friends, Bessie secured a teaching position at Big Woods School. To prepare for her new role, she dedicated her summer to taking classes to teach general education subjects. Her time at Big Woods School, spanning ten years, was one of the happiest periods of her life. The close-knit community felt like an extended family to her, a stark contrast to her upbringing as an only child.
At Big Woods School, Bessie taught all eight grades and even learned Spanish to better connect with her Spanish-speaking students. She embraced creativity in her teaching, often guiding her students in crafting musical instruments using simple materials like oatmeal or cigar boxes, water glasses, and pop bottles. Her dedication even extended to her daily commute, as she frequently rode her bike to the school.
In 1939, Bessie married and moved to Warrenville. During her early years of marriage and while pregnant with her first child, she temporarily stepped in as a kindergarten teacher when the original teacher fell ill. After the birth of her second child, she took a brief hiatus but eventually returned to her true passion – teaching.
Bessie’s career continued to flourish as she evolved into a principal and later a curriculum coordinator. Yet, her heart remained with kindergarten. In her 32-year teaching career, she spent her final three years back in the kindergarten classroom, where she found pure joy in nurturing young minds.
Upon retirement, Bessie and her husband chose to settle in Wisconsin. She continued to live a full and enriched life until her passing in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, passion, and love for education and music that continues to inspire others.