Why are you retiring?

“I’m old, it’s just time to move onto something else. I’ve spent 42 years teaching.”

What plans do you have for your future?

“Mainly not getting up at 5:30 every morning. I also want to focus on the kinds of things I don’t have time to do right now. I’m a musician and I currently don’t have the time to really focus on my music. After I retire I’m going to write some songs, play my banjo and djembe as well as learning to play the guitar.”

What will you miss most about LSW?

“At Southwest, we have an incredible group of teachers that work here and an incredible group of kids. I’m just gonna miss that kind of daily interaction with like-minded people that are kind of doing the same thing I’m doing.”

Why did you join LSW?

“I had started out in the district as an elementary teacher, but high school just better fit my philosophy.” 

Why do you teach?

“I wanted to just help kids and do things like that. I just like helping people.”

What part in your career made you feel the most accomplishment?

“Being able to relate to kids and form these kinds of relationships is a huge accomplishment.”

What types of moments make you realize you love your job?

“There are these moments where kids finally understand the material and their face brightens up. Their faces are like ‘Oh gosh, I actually understand this.’ These are neat moments for me and my fellow teachers.”