Editor’s note: The Courier Express has partnered with digital media arts students at Jeff Tech to highlight accomplishments and updates from the school.
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REYNOLDSVILLE — After 22 years of teaching at Jeff Tech, cosmetology instructor Bonnie Skinner will officially move on to the next chapter of her life, retiring after the end of the 2025 school year. Skinner, who began teaching at Jeff Tech in August of 2003, has left an impact on her students and colleagues, shaping the futures of aspiring cosmetologists for over two decades.
Skinner got into teaching because she loved cosmetology and got an unexpected chance to do it. As a student at Clarion County Career Center, she excelled in her shop hours early so her instructor invited her to become a student teacher. She also worked at a salon after school, helping her improve her skills. Later, while working as a substitute teacher for an entire semester due to an absent instructor, she discovered a love for teaching that led her to Jeff Tech.
Throughout her career, Skinner has celebrated many milestones, but could never pick just one memorable moment from her time at the school, as there have been countless memories. Aside from awards and recognition, she says her greatest joy has been watching her students succeed. Seeing past graduates continue in the beauty industry and return to share their experiences with current students has been the most rewarding aspect of her career.
Now looking forward to her well-earned break, Skinner is excited to spend more quality time with her family as well as travel. Despite her excitement for the future, she admits she will miss seeing her students every day and guiding them through their cosmetology training.
Her impact on students is evident. Jeff Tech senior Kira Haught, who has been in the cosmetology program for four years, expressed her appreciation for having Skinner as an instructor throughout her time at the school. Haught shared that Skinner always pushed her and her classmates to strive for more than they believed they could accomplish. One of her favorite memories was when Skinner helped her prepare for the state SkillsUSA competition, providing both technical training and strong support.
Haught, along with many others, will miss Skinner’s hands-on teaching style and dedication to her students’ success. Skinner’s time at Jeff Tech has been nothing short of amazing, and her impact will be felt for years to come. Her passion for teaching, dedication to her students, and love for cosmetology have made a difference in so many lives. The school celebrates her incredible career and wishes her nothing but happiness in this well-earned next step.