The foothills will lose 17 educators this year to retirement, losing more than 500 years of total experience. This is the first part of the Canyon Courier’s profiles of the retirees.
Peggy Miller
Time in education: 42 years, most recently as the principal at The Bergens since 2002.
Peggy Miller, a staple at The Bergens for 18 years, is probably best known to the children for her crazy hat collection that she wore for both every-day and special occasions. It all started years ago when both students and staff were cranky after a May snowstorm.
Ramona Bajorek
Time in education: 40 years, 19 years at Marshdale Elementary, most recently taught first grade.
This wasn’t what Ramona Bajorek planned for, but she’s grateful for four decades well spent. As a first-grade teacher, it was particularly special to watch her students bloom. In one short year, they often transform from non-readers to readers.
Debbie Richards
Time in education: 22 years; the last 12 as the Evergreen Middle School librarian.
“The best part of working at Evergreen Middle School has been the opportunity to get to know our kids in Evergreen,” said Evergreen Middle School librarian Debbie Richards. “My relationships with all my kids have been wonderful.”
Michael Wisniewski
Time in education: 31 years, 19 years at Marshdale Elementary, 11 years at West Jefferson Elementary, most recently taught art education.
Michael Wisniewski always had a knack for working with kids and making art, and he spent more than three decades in a career where he could do just that.
Beth Schwecke
Time in education: 32 years; teaching kindergarten for 12 years at King-Murphy and four years at Wilmot Elementary.
Wilmot teacher Beth Schwecke said the best part about teaching kindergarten is the children make her laugh every day. In addition, their growth during that year is phenomenal — going from not knowing how to walk in a line at the beginning of the school year to knowing how to read and write by the end.
Lisa Aigner
Time In education: 30 years, seven years at Elk Creek Elementary, most recently was an instructional coach.
Lisa Aigner never expected to end her career as instructional coach, but she loved to support teachers and did it well.
Michelle Feola
Time in education: 30 years total; 14 years at Bergen Meadow, most recently taught second grade.
Michelle Feola came to The Bergens in 2006 after her family moved to Evergreen, and she wanted a way to be part of the Evergreen community.
Jami Bay
Time in education: 19 years; 15 years at West Jefferson Elementary, most recently taught second grade.
As a former detention deputy, Jami Bay went into elementary education with the goal of impacting children while they were still young.
Susan Jeffres
Time in education: 20 years; 19 years at Wilmot, the last five as the librarian
Wilmot teacher Susan Jeffres said she’s loved her career in education because the students are enthusiastic about learning.
Read more here:
www.canyoncourier.com/content/educators-...fetime-memories-them
Staff
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
