~and it will the best for the last!~
I have found myself running the gamut of feelings in the past couple of weeks. With so many things happening in life right now, I should not even be surprised. It feels like we have been moving since last September, kind of like being in 72 hours of nonstop labor before you give birth to the most beautiful baby on earth.
I lived in the same south central Kansas county for 57 years, teaching for only 2 school districts during the first 35 years of my career in education. I didn't say farewell to many things back in those times, unless you could count the day I threw my favorite pair of sneakers into the dumpster because they had far surpassed reaching the age of retirement. Life didn't change a whole lot back then for me.
It does now.
Since May of 2013, Mike and I have lived in both the mountains of southwestern Colorado and along the Red River here in Texas. I have taught for a total of 4 school districts since that time. I have met many wonderful people whose children called me "Mrs. Renfro". As their teacher, I have done my best and strived to prepare them for the next grade that would come along. It's been the most wonderful of experiences for me, and I rejoice and give thanks that I could do so.
Soon life will change once again as we settle full time in the community of Newkirk, Oklahoma. It's a place up the road a ways to the north about 240 miles or so. I have the opportunity to teach once more, this time for the school district in Ponca City. I truly believe that next year will be the best one ever for me. I look forward to learning new teaching strategies and being a part of a cohort of people who work together for the kids in their classrooms. One benefit of teaching in several school districts so far is the ability to meet so many fine educators, and to watch them as they teach. Even after more than 40 years at this, I still learn something new every single day. I give my heartfelt thanks and feel the deepest of respect to the teachers of Hutchinson and Haven (KS), Olathe (CO), Petrolia (TX), Randlett and Grandfield (OK). Their good examples and modeling of exemplary teaching styles have enabled me to refine my own approach in the classroom. I have become a better teacher because I had the chance to teach alongside them.
You know, I believe that God has put me in just the right places since I left my beloved Kansas now nearly 6 years ago. You could say that I was moved around some. I was needed in many different communities for a shorter period of time than I was ever used to. It was as if I was sent by the good Lord above to a certain school long enough for another teacher to be ready to come in and take my place. It was that teacher, not I, who was intended to be there for the long haul. It was my responsibility to fill in until the right one came along. At first it bothered me, especially since sometimes there are folks who don't understand why you are leaving. It always hurts my heart to feel as if I have let someone down. After some reflecting upon it in the past two months, I know exactly why the road has gone on to a variety of places. I am content in knowing that I have listened to God's call and I have done the right thing. To the children I have been able to teach, even if only for a short while, I am most grateful.
My swan song as a teacher will be done for the children of Kay County, Oklahoma. As a 63-year old who will be 64 come the fall, I know that I cannot go on forever. The time will come and the door will shut as it must. But in the meantime, with all that I have in me I intend to continue to teach. After 40 years I don't dread going to school each day, rather I cannot wait to get there! I look forward with a happy heart and a right spirit about me to meeting the Oklahoma children who will call me "teacher" next year. Even though I have had some of the most incredible of experiences as a teacher, one thing I feel is for certain.
God has saved the very best of them all for the last.
I can't wait to get started!
I lived in the same south central Kansas county for 57 years, teaching for only 2 school districts during the first 35 years of my career in education. I didn't say farewell to many things back in those times, unless you could count the day I threw my favorite pair of sneakers into the dumpster because they had far surpassed reaching the age of retirement. Life didn't change a whole lot back then for me.
It does now.
Since May of 2013, Mike and I have lived in both the mountains of southwestern Colorado and along the Red River here in Texas. I have taught for a total of 4 school districts since that time. I have met many wonderful people whose children called me "Mrs. Renfro". As their teacher, I have done my best and strived to prepare them for the next grade that would come along. It's been the most wonderful of experiences for me, and I rejoice and give thanks that I could do so.
Soon life will change once again as we settle full time in the community of Newkirk, Oklahoma. It's a place up the road a ways to the north about 240 miles or so. I have the opportunity to teach once more, this time for the school district in Ponca City. I truly believe that next year will be the best one ever for me. I look forward to learning new teaching strategies and being a part of a cohort of people who work together for the kids in their classrooms. One benefit of teaching in several school districts so far is the ability to meet so many fine educators, and to watch them as they teach. Even after more than 40 years at this, I still learn something new every single day. I give my heartfelt thanks and feel the deepest of respect to the teachers of Hutchinson and Haven (KS), Olathe (CO), Petrolia (TX), Randlett and Grandfield (OK). Their good examples and modeling of exemplary teaching styles have enabled me to refine my own approach in the classroom. I have become a better teacher because I had the chance to teach alongside them.
You know, I believe that God has put me in just the right places since I left my beloved Kansas now nearly 6 years ago. You could say that I was moved around some. I was needed in many different communities for a shorter period of time than I was ever used to. It was as if I was sent by the good Lord above to a certain school long enough for another teacher to be ready to come in and take my place. It was that teacher, not I, who was intended to be there for the long haul. It was my responsibility to fill in until the right one came along. At first it bothered me, especially since sometimes there are folks who don't understand why you are leaving. It always hurts my heart to feel as if I have let someone down. After some reflecting upon it in the past two months, I know exactly why the road has gone on to a variety of places. I am content in knowing that I have listened to God's call and I have done the right thing. To the children I have been able to teach, even if only for a short while, I am most grateful.
My swan song as a teacher will be done for the children of Kay County, Oklahoma. As a 63-year old who will be 64 come the fall, I know that I cannot go on forever. The time will come and the door will shut as it must. But in the meantime, with all that I have in me I intend to continue to teach. After 40 years I don't dread going to school each day, rather I cannot wait to get there! I look forward with a happy heart and a right spirit about me to meeting the Oklahoma children who will call me "teacher" next year. Even though I have had some of the most incredible of experiences as a teacher, one thing I feel is for certain.
God has saved the very best of them all for the last.
I can't wait to get started!
She believed in me!
Thank you Diane and it was a privilege to teach for you at Big Pasture.
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