I've hardly ever missed a retirement party over the past twenty years or so. Even as a young teacher, I went and listened intently to the wisdom and perspectives of the retiring teachers. One speech that stayed with me for years was given by Jim S. who had taught fifth and sixth grades for many years. It was filled with humility, grace and gratitude for a career and a life well-spent in the company of children. Joe C.'s speech also influenced me because he talked about how important it was for teachers to listen to their students and respond to them as human beings and to care more about their lives than the grades or the content of the course. Their parting words after years of dedicated service helped me become a better teacher.
There have been wildly inappropriate speeches and presentations also. Last year, one teacher used her time to slice and dice each administrator and anyone else who had crossed her path. Too often, a presenter will say humiliating and embarrassing things about very dignified teachers. That happened again tonight. Some people use very poor judgement when writing a speech and don't think about the audience or the person they are supposedly honoring.
When it was my turn four years ago, I spent weeks thinking about what I would say and then carefully wrote a draft. I focused on teamwork and how valuable and productive teams had been in my career. I recognized my department team, the musical team, the backpacking team, the STEP team. Kids benefit when their teachers work as a team to solve problems and work in concert toward common goals. I told them that I had lived my dream. All I had ever wanted was to teach.
When Steve retired two years ago, he used humor to give advice to young teachers. For example, you should always know the gender of your student when you call home to the parents. His was really powerful because it was so sincere and heartfelt.
The three new retirees each used a slightly different approach to share the same message. They were filled with gratitude for their long careers because they loved the children, the teaching and the Fredonia school community.
Teaching buddies!
