Patch sent a questionare to retiring teachers this year, and we got three responses from retirees from the Maplewood Richmond Heights school district.
Today we have MRH Elementary School Librarian Terri Watkins' answers. She's been with MRH School District for 26 years.
What will you miss the most about teaching?
I've met some wonderful people during my time at MRH and I will miss them terribly. Also, I'm going to miss going to school and being a teacher.
What is the biggest change in education/teaching since you started?
I started teaching in 1978 and there have been many changes since then, but I think the biggest has been the emphasis placed on achievement testing.
Do you have a favorite student/class that stick with you?
This is a hard question to answer because each class had its own unique personality that I grew to enjoy as the year progressed. I have more detailed memories of the classes I taught on a looping cycle (teaching the same group of students for two years) because I had two years to get to know them. During the school year a teacher has good days and bad days, but when all is said and done the thing I remember most about all of my students was the trust they put in me. I hope I met their expectations.
What are you most looking forward to about retirement?
I am going to learn how to play the piano!
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