For 35 years, Lynn Hellwege inspired students from the math classroom to the sports field, eventually finding a new calling in a different kind of teaching—beekeeping. A retired high school math teacher, Lynn now applies his passion for learning and educating to the world of bees, teaching others about these miraculous pollinators. His journey as a beekeeper both in and out of the classroom, and as a Save the Bee Board Member demonstrates a lifelong commitment to growth, community, and curiosity.
From Classroom to Apiary: A Lifelong Teacher
Lynn’s path to becoming a beekeeper was unconventional. As a young educator, he was drawn to coaching basketball and football and chose a career in teaching math as a means to connect with students. “I could inspire kids to love math,” he recalls. Over time, teaching became more than a job for Lynn; it became a passion. His enthusiasm for making complex subjects accessible helped him connect with students, instilling in them a sense of accomplishment.
Now retired from math, Lynn continues to teach—but with bees as his subject. He finds that the principles of education remain the same: inspire curiosity and allow others to explore. “Teaching is my heart and soul,” Lynn says. Whether teaching students about geometry or showing new beekeepers how to handle a hive, or just introducing bees to the young and old, Lynn’s dedication to education shines through.
The Beautiful Algorithm: Math Meets Beekeeping
One of the unexpected joys Lynn found in beekeeping is the symmetry and intricacy of the colony, which he compares to the beauty held within math. In his math classrooms of the past students would sometimes ask, “When am I ever going to use this?”. Lynn’s lesson to his students was that “Some equations in math are beautiful in and of themselves,” he explains.
Just as equations hold an elegance, so does the complex structure of life of a colony within a hive. Observing bees work together mirrors the balance and flow Lynn once saw in mathematical patterns. What sets beekeeping apart, though, is that no one ever asks, “When am I ever going to use this?” The lesson of the bees—their work ethic, cooperation, “how it all just works together” — is visible and deeply inspiring. As Lynn describes it, the colony itself is a living equation, a place where theory and reality align with breathtaking precision.
“If You’re Not Growing, You’re Dying”
Six years ago, Lynn’s life took an unexpected turn. Facing a challenging time, he and his wife moved to a new home, complete with raised garden beds and mason bees left behind by the previous owner. Though Lynn had never gardened before, he embraced it wholeheartedly, finding joy in watching things grow. Then, a visit to the Clark County Fair introduced him to honeybees—and a new chapter began.
With characteristic enthusiasm, Lynn dove into beekeeping “like a cliff jumper,” as he puts it. His mantra, “If you’re not growing, you’re dying,” is a reminder that life is about moving forward, learning, and taking on new challenges. His wife, initially cautious about bees, has since joined him as his co-beekeeper. Together, they’ve created a home surrounded by bee-inspired decor and shared knowledge that has now spread to friends, family, and neighbors.
Lessons in Teamwork from the Hive
As a former sports coach, Lynn understands the importance of teamwork, and nowhere is this more evident than in a beehive. “Bees are the epitome of teamwork,” he says. Each bee has a role, working tirelessly to support the colony through winter and beyond. Observing their dedication reinforces Lynn’s belief in the power of community and collaboration.
Lynn has come to see beekeepers as the “coaches” of these communities, guiding bees through challenges like Varroa mites and habitat loss. His work with Save the Bee’s Bee-Keepers program embodies this principle of stewardship, offering a chance for people to become bee advocates without owning a hive. As Lynn points out, every small action—whether planting pollinator-friendly flowers or supporting bee conservation efforts—contributes to a much larger cause.
From Classroom to Colony, Teaching for Life
For Lynn, beekeeping has become much more than a hobby. It’s a way to bring his passion for teaching to life in a whole new field, sharing the beauty of bees with young and old alike. His journey is a testament to the idea that learning never stops and that growth, both in the hive and beyond, is the key to a fulfilling life. Lynn continues to inspire others, one bee—and one lesson—at a time.
