Retired Teacher Now Teaching English to Wives of Foreign Workers

Joyce Hartman has spent more than 40 years in some sort of classroom. At a young age, she knew she wanted to teach, and that desire continues into retirement, where she now goes into a classroom and teaches free of charge.

Her students are the wives of foreign workers. On Monday mornings, she makes the short drive from her home at Redwood Terrace senior living community in Escondido, to the Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego to teach English as a second language.

Joyce says it’s very rewarding for her to see the difference she’s making in the women’s lives. It’s a difference she’s been making in the lives of students around the world for four decades. Joyce began her teaching career in Japan and later traveled to Germany where she taught English. She ultimately ended up in San Diego teaching second- and third-graders before retiring.

Now she enjoys the flexibility and lifestyle offered at Redwood Terrace. Continuing education and volunteer efforts are popular pastimes for residents of the community, as many of them understand the significant health benefits of intellectual wellness. Studies show continuing education slows age-related memory decline and provides beneficial social interaction.