Life in the classroom

Attending the Chamber of Commerce’s New Teacher Luncheon Wednesday really highlighted the impact educators have had on me. I have been directly influenced by educators my entire life. It’s something that’s difficult to avoid when you have parents who are teachers.

My mother was an educator in one school district for 42 years. Her first job right out of college was with the Garwin School District as an elementary teacher. She stayed there for the entirety of her career. She saw the school district change with consolidation to the GMG School District. She had to commute to Green Mountain to continue teaching elementary. Later, she returned to Garwin after she transitioned into the junior high setting and later got her endorsement to teach high school math. She’s retired now, but she still substitutes when they need her. She’ll always be a teacher, even if she’s not heading to school every morning anymore.

My father started out as a business teacher but later found a passion for special education. He taught in the Garwin/GMG school district for 29 years, and spent 31 years in education total. He began his career in the North Tama school district. His first special education job was just down the road at Lynnville-Sully before I was even born. If mom had gotten a job in Sully, my life would have been quite a bit different. He is retired as well, but he loves substitute teaching. Being a special educator for so many years, he has learned to teach so many different subjects, making him the ideal sub for anyone.

My parents were some of the best, and I’m not just saying that because I’m their daughter. I have heard this from countless former students who still stop my parents when they see them at the grocery store or at community events. I had the pleasure of seeing my parents in their element at the head of the classroom. You could tell it was the place they were meant to be.

Education doesn’t stop there in my family. I have aunts, uncles, great-aunts and great-uncles who have been career educators. My sister followed in my parents’ footsteps and became a teacher. She teaches high school math in Chariton, where she met her husband, who is one of the high school English teachers. They introduced my brother to his wife, who is also a math teacher. I have met and befriended some of the great educators we have right here in Newton. I’ve said this before; but it still rings true, I’m surrounded by teachers.

I have a tremendous amount of respect for any and all educators. They have one of the toughest jobs imaginable, but it is also one of the most rewarding professions. I’ve seen that just by watching my family.

Any child who goes through the public school system is directly impacted by his or her teachers. It’s the name of the game. These individuals have been tasked with teaching our youth and preparing them for the future. It’s a monumental task and not everyone is suited for the job.

I think the chamber event is a wonderful idea. It allows these new faces to be introduced to some of the leaders in the community and know Newton is glad they are here in our school district. I noticed there were several who are starting their first year teaching. I can’t imagine the nerves and the stress they are going through as they prepare for their first teaching job. I remember what it was like for my sister, and it is not an easy task.

I hope all of the new teachers in Newton have a wonderful school year. It’s hard to believe it’s almost here already.

Contact Pam Pratt at
pampratt@newtondailynews.com