Jul18

Retirement

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Monday 18th July

  

Today I have officially retired from school.

I joined on 1st May 1995, as a part-time teacher of mathematics, and soon added IT (computer science) to my timetable.

I have had an amazing twenty plus years, teaching hundreds of students: an Olympic gold medallist, team GB triathlete, gymnasts, cross country runners. Musicians, actors, singers and dancers. A veteran of Afghanistan, tank commander, boxer, RAF pilots, glider pilots, commercial airline pilots, Royal Navy helicopter engineers, Merchant Navy captains. Teachers, doctors, nurses, accountants, lawyers, paramedics. A scientist working on the Hadron Collider in Cern. Hairdressers, tattooists, nail technicians and bodybuilders. A world class barista. Photographers, healthcare assistants, veterinary workers, retail, hotels, estate agents. Many, many occupations. And of course, some students have gone on to be parents themselves, and I was teaching their children. It’s then that you feel a bit old.

I was so very fortunate to represent the school on three occasions, visiting America. The first time was with a group of teachers, travelling to Cape Canaveral, hosted by NASA, working with educators, space scientists and astronauts. Incredible.

The second trip was to Lubbock, Texas, being guests of a school district, looking at discipline and character. Fascinating.

Finally, to Huntsville, Alabama, taking a group of students to Space Camp. Outstanding.

I became a SWIFT Platinum Trainer, enabling teachers to use IT effectively. 

I started up an after school Study Group, with a government grant. 

Carrying out research on the student’s use of interactive whiteboards, which was then published in the Secondary National Strategy. 

Introduction of a Virtual Learning Environment. 

I also used video conferencing with students for a simulated Mission to Mars, linking up with the National Space Centre in Nottingham. I also video conferenced lessons to local primary schools. 

One year I presented a workshop at the Regional IT Conference, and the following year, VC’d with a group of students, giving feedback to teachers at the conference. 

For ten years, I took groups of students, in the summer term, to the beach, to learn to surf, as part of Activity Week. 

I enjoyed teaching my subjects, watching the students succeed and getting pleasure from gaining new knowledge.

A wonderful two decades, filled with hard work, fun, opportunities and personal development.

During the last few years, due to circumstances, my time in the classroom was much reduced. And so the time was right to retire.

A wonderful speech given by the head teacher, followed by presentation of a bouquet of roses and lillies, a bottle of champagne, and a micro:bit computer, complete with worksheet, wrapped up the afternoon. Perfect.

I will miss my life as a teacher.

  

Thinking of you sweetheart, as always.

Love you so much.

Dearest Angel son.

xxxxxx

Retirement Day

76 responses »

  9. Congratulations – and thank you for teaching the next generation! I admire and respect your time to teach and educate others. Happy Retirement! 🙂 (P.S. Sorry you had to visit Lubbock, Texas, trust me, I know there is not much there!) 🙂

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  16. It’s time to put away the books and clean out the desk
    Now you can sleep in late and take time just for yourself
    After many years of hard work and dedication to others
    You can relax and enjoy the simple things life has to offer
    Wishing you a happy and fulfilling retirement

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  20. May you have a long, happy, and healthy retirement. Your teaching career, and looking after Frank, has certainly kept you busy. You should feel justifiably proud of achieving so much and helping so many young people to grow, learn, and become achievers themselves.

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  25. Congratulations and, as others have expressed, thank you for being a teacher, an honorable and noble profession. Now, welcome to the other side of the line, and let’s get started on all those things you put off “until you had the time”. I’ve been retired for a little over a year now, and I’m smiling every day… 😉

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  30. Congratulations on your retirement! You’ve accomplished many wonderful goals to be proud of. Interesting to see you’ve been to Lubbock, TX, as this is my hometown. Hope you enjoyed your trip here. Wishing you all the best for a fun and fulfilling retirement. 🙂

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    • Thank you very much for your kind words.
      Lubbock was interesting; we were looked after by a great group of teachers and students, and were made to feel most welcome.
      x

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  33. ❤ I really enjoyed seeing a picture of you… what a cool gif you made!! And learning more about you. I think you will always be a teacher. Happy retirement! Hugs and thank you, you made my day. 🙂

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  36. I enjoyed reading about your story and how you will miss your life as a teacher. My wife and I are planning on retiring from our teaching professions; mine of 42 years. This is my last year and I’m logging my thoughts at oneyeartoretirement.wordpress.com. Best wishes for your retirement!

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