For Rich Wessel, teaching at Byron High School is more than a job—it’s a way to prepare students for a world of opportunity. As Byron’s business teacher and computer science instructor, Rich brings real-world experience and a passion for entrepreneurship into the classroom, creating an environment where students can explore their potential and learn to think like innovators.

“This is my sixth year teaching and my fourth year at Byron,” Rich shares. “I absolutely love it here. The combination of technology and business has always been my passion, and Byron has given me the chance to merge those in a meaningful way.”

Rich’s journey to teaching was anything but traditional. A graduate of Stillman Valley High School, he spent over a decade running his family’s metal finishing business in Rockford and later ventured into tech consulting. His experience as a business owner taught him the importance of resilience, adaptability, and creativity—lessons he now passes on to his students. “I’ve always been drawn to building things, whether it’s a business, a product, or a program,” Rich says. “Teaching allows me to share that excitement with the next generation.”

At Byron, Rich teaches a variety of courses, including business and technology, computer science, and entrepreneurship. His entrepreneurship program, known as the Incubator, serves as the capstone experience for juniors and seniors. “The Incubator is all about taking students from zero to running their own businesses,” Rich explains. “They start with an idea and, by the end of the year, many of them are generating real revenue.”

The program incorporates market research, business planning, and mentorship from local professionals. Students also participate in “Shark Tank”-style pitch nights, where they present their ideas to a panel of judges and vie for funding. “It’s an incredible experience,” Rich says. “This year, I’m hoping to nominate a group for the national pitch competition in Chicago, where they’ll present to executives from major companies.”

Rich emphasizes the importance of failure as a learning tool. “I always tell my students to ‘fail fast,’” he says. “If something isn’t working, pivot and move on. That’s how you grow, and it’s a skill they can use in any area of life.”

Beyond entrepreneurship, Rich’s business and technology class introduces freshmen and sophomores to the fundamentals of business and computer applications. “It’s a broad overview—a chance for students to see what they like and what they don’t,” he explains. “One of the highlights is a coffee shop simulation, where students run a virtual business and make tough decisions for the first time.”

Rich’s courses reflect his belief that business is a powerful equalizer. “I tell my students, it doesn’t matter where you come from—what matters is your willingness to put in the work,” he says. “Business gives you the chance to create something valuable and make a difference.”

The success of Byron’s business program is rooted in the school’s culture of excellence and community support. “Byron is a special place,” Rich notes. “The students, staff, and community all have high expectations, and that drives me to do my best work. It’s inspiring to see how much pride people take in this district.”

Rich’s classroom isn’t just a place to learn about business—it’s a space to build confidence, creativity, and resilience. “My goal is to help students see their potential and feel empowered to take chances,” he says. “Whether they go on to start their own businesses or contribute to existing ones, I want them to leave here knowing they can create value and make an impact.”

For Rich Wessel, the rewards of teaching go far beyond the curriculum. “It’s about preparing kids for life,” he says. “Seeing their ideas come to life and watching them grow into confident, capable individuals—that’s what makes this work so fulfilling.”