Retirement

June of 2019 brought retirement after thirty-three years in Visalia classrooms, and a total of thirty-eight years of educating teenagers. The decision did not come easily, but I am certain that it was the right decision. I won’t burden the reader with my thought process – it was highly personal. It is enough to say that “it was time”.

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I will greatly miss the students. I know that I will not miss the hours spent grading. Nor will I miss meetings and inservice training, which has word-morphed into staff development, then professional development, and now exists as “professional learning”.

I knew at the start of the 2018 – 2019 school year that it would be my last year in the classroom. I took the opportunity to really enjoy the time in the classroom. I had great classes – some of the most delightful and memorable personalities that I have had in many years. They made my last year a joy, and for that I will be forever grateful.

My departure from the classroom was also made easier knowing that the school had hired a superb replacement, and that she will add greatly to the science department at my school. She will have the great privilege of working with some of the finest teachers that I have ever known. I will miss them as well.

The question I fielded most during my final year in teaching was, “What are you going to do once you’re retired?” The question didn’t often come from students. They knew me well enough to know that I have many interests and hobbies. I won’t be bored. If I find myself needing the spark that I get from working with students, I know I can find many opportunities to work with kids in my community. I will not return to the classroom – and I will not substitute teach.

As for this website – it will continue. I will continue to add review activities and other features as I have interest and time. I have also considered doing some blog posts on some of my reflections on a career in teaching. My concern is that I keep those reflections overwhelming positive, as has been my experience as a teacher. There are, of course, a few jabs I might want to get in (do you hear me, “Ladder Safety Training”?).

This website has been an extension of my classroom philosophy. It has been a labor of love. Love for students, many of whom I will never meet. Love and respect for colleagues, many of whom have reached out to me over the years. It’s not going away, and neither am I. You might even spot me by a cold creek in the mountains. If you do, please say “Hi!”