Honoring those who have dedicated their careers to education

Tricia Becker, Lakota West High School, Spanish Teacher

5,712. That is an estimated number of students a traditional high school teacher will impact in the classroom over the course of their career. Add a few more for those students who aren’t on the roster but with whom teachers make genuine connections—through study halls, extracurriculars, or simply from passing by. What an honor and privilege it is, as teachers, to make this kind of impact, and what utmost respect retiring teachers deserve when they have committed their lives to the classroom. This article is meant to serve as a reminder of the impact and value that retiring teachers have as they finish their careers in education.

Let’s talk about what has changed over a 34-year teaching career. Students have changed. Technology has changed. Curriculum and standards have changed. Administrators and staff have changed. Pedagogy has changed. Classrooms and buildings have changed. Policies and procedures have changed. So, what has not changed? The teacher who has made it through the ebb and flow of the “next new thing” has developed a type of wisdom that can only be attained through life experience. In Spanish, we call this wise person una persona sabia. This wisdom cannot be taught in college or picked up quickly; rather, it comes from the learned adaptation needed to succeed over a long period of time within the education system.

Some of the most important lessons newer teachers can learn from veteran teachers are not about content expertise, but rather: How do I run my classroom in a way that is conducive to all students learning and succeeding? This includes topics such as classroom management, time management, student grouping, seating charts, parent communication, effective grading and feedback, colleague relationships, responding to struggling students, and much more. 

I believe that if we can find ways to better capture this knowledge before teachers retire, our schools will become even stronger places of learning. My recommendation is to observe and learn, have the conversations, ask the questions, and keep an open mind toward teachers who have been in the profession for many years. They have it figured out and most likely want to share that wisdom with you. I have had the privilege of learning from those who paved the way for me. 

The following are a few thoughts from my best friend and colleague, Kelly Gohmann, who is retiring after 34 years of teaching Spanish:

Q: What is something you worried about early in your career that turned out not to matter that much?
A: Early on, I worried too much about pleasing my superiors and the parents. I’ve learned that all you can really do is your best, and the rest will work itself out.

Q: What makes students feel successful beyond grades and test scores?
A: Seeing improvement in their work or grades, being encouraged when they work hard, and having the focus placed on what they are good at all help students feel successful.

Q: What advice would you give teachers on the really hard days?
A: Don’t take your problems home with you—they’ll still be there tomorrow. I can’t even count how many days I couldn’t focus at home because I was worried about something at school.

Q: What is one classroom management tip you’ve learned over the years?
A: Don’t lose your temper or raise your voice, even when you’re frustrated or angry. Give respect; get respect.

Q: In your opinion, what truly matters most in teaching?
A: What truly matters is not just what students learn in your classroom, but how they feel about coming to your class. They will likely forget most of what you taught them, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

This is just a glimpse into the insight Kelly has shared with me, other teachers, admin, staff, and most importantly, students. She has walked the halls with honor and integrity and changed the lives of so many students. The impact that retiring teachers make is undeniable and carries on for much longer after they turn in their keys. 

Kelly, thank you for your dedication to our school and for your great impact on my life.