65 Years of Making a Difference Sue Bissonette’s Lifelong Love of Teaching

Some people find their calling later in life. Sue Bissonette found hers in the second grade.

In this episode of Women in the Driver Seat, we sit down with the remarkable educator whose passion for teaching has spanned more than 65 years, impacting generations of students across Northwest Ohio. From her early days teaching at Burnham High School and Maumee Valley Country Day School to her current role tutoring students from a small table at SIP Coffee, Sue’s dedication to helping others learn has never wavered.

At 88 years young, Sue continues to work with students of all ages, helping them navigate the challenges of mathematics while building confidence along the way. What makes her story even more extraordinary is that her approach has remained remarkably consistent throughout the decades. She simply loves teaching, loves students, and feels fortunate to spend her life doing what she always dreamed of doing.

Sue recalls deciding she wanted to become a teacher while she was still in elementary school. Later, an inspiring math teacher in eighth grade strengthened that conviction, setting her on a path she never questioned. Although her academic background could have led her toward engineering or other professions, she never seriously considered anything other than teaching.

One of the most touching aspects of Sue’s story is the lasting relationships she has built with her students. Former students continue to reach out decades later, including one recent call from a student she taught in the 1960s. Those connections are a testament to the impact she has had far beyond the classroom.

Today, many people know Sue through her unofficial office at SIP Coffee, where she has been tutoring for more than 25 years. Students seek her out through word of mouth, a remarkable feat considering she has never advertised her services. Her reputation has been built entirely through generations of families, students, and community members sharing their experiences with others.

Equally inspiring is Sue’s commitment to accessibility. She has intentionally kept her tutoring fee at just $20 an hour, often helping students at no cost when needed because she believes education should be available to everyone.

Throughout the conversation, Sue remains humble about her influence, insisting that her students have done more for her than she has done for them. Yet her story reflects something much larger. It is the story of a teacher who has spent more than six decades investing in others, one student at a time.

This episode is a celebration of service, passion, and the profound impact a dedicated educator can have on a community.

👉 Watch now to hear how Sue Bissonette has spent 65 years helping students build confidence, discover potential, and succeed both inside and outside the classroom.