April-2020-Advisor_2

CEA RETIRED NEWS -

APRIL 2020 CEA ADVISOR 17

RETIREMENT BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR LIFELONG EDUCATOR From proctoring exams to cheering in the stands, Simsbury native as active as ever

Retired math teacher Karen DiMenna, whose career spanned more than 37 years, is as involved as ever in her school community and union—a commitment, she says, that brings her great satisfaction. DiMenna, who serves on CEA’s Public Relations Commission and as CEA-Retired Secretary, can often be found in the classrooms, hallways, auditorium, and bleachers at Simsbury High School, where she herself graduated and later taught. “Simsbury is my hometown as

well as my teaching town,” she says. “I attended school here, as did my children. Soon, my grandchildren will too!” Those deeply held connections have led DiMenna to continue working on behalf of local children and alongside former colleagues as well as supporting students’ extracurricular and post-graduation endeavors. “As an alumna of the system where I taught, I chair the scholarship committees run by my

graduating class and our local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. In this capacity, I’m responsible for helping select and present awards and scholarships to many well-deserving students not only at Simsbury High School but in nearby Avon, East Granby, and Granby.” DiMenna also regularly cheers for athletes at various school sporting events, attends students’ musical and theatrical performances, and proctors exams

Karen DiMenna discusses upcoming awards with the secretary to the principal at Simsbury High School.

throughout the year.

“I hope they join me as CEA- Retired members and continue the good work of supporting the profession and public education,” she says. While plans for standardized tests and educator events are on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, DiMenna and others encourage retired teachers to remain engaged. To join CEA-Retired, visit cea.org/cear .

“I proctor both the SAT and Advanced Placement tests,” she says. “Since the APs are administered during the school day, Simsbury relies on retired teachers, among others, to assist with these exams.” Every spring, DiMenna looks forward to catching up with active educators at the Simsbury Education Association’s spring banquet, where teachers honor their colleagues who are retiring.

When Simsbury students put on a performance of the Tony-award-winning Hairspray this winter, DiMenna was there to cheer them on.