Summer-2020-Advisor

CEA RETIRED NEWS

14 CEA ADVISOR SUMMER 2020

PANDEMIC ERASES MANY ‘LASTS’ FOR RETIRING TEACHERS Fellow educators organize community celebration to thank and honor retiring colleagues

The abrupt closure of schools because of the coronavirus pandemic was heartbreaking for many teachers—perhaps especially those preparing to retire. After decades- long careers, many lifelong educators missed the chance at a final goodbye to their students, their colleagues, and in some cases the buildings where they had taught generations of students. Those who have been able to return to their classrooms one last time have found their once-bright and vibrant rooms silent and empty, as they reflect on rewarding careers that ended in an unexpected way. Together from the start That was the case for three Stratford first- grade teachers whose combined experience at the same elementary school adds up to more than 100 years. “We began our teaching careers together 35 years ago at Stratford Academy—starting out at the former Honeyspot House School and moving to the new Victoria Soto School,” says veteran teacher Marybeth Petrella. “We have been together ever since.” She adds, “I will miss working with my amazing colleagues and the connection that I had with the children and their families. I will miss the small things, like greeting the children each day, sharing stories, and watching them light up when they learned something new.” Colleague Kathy Bevino, who

Retired Stratford teachers Marybeth Petrella, Jennifer Kepchar, and Kathy Bevino

taught kindergarten at Stratford Academy for 24 years before being moved to first grade, can relate. “I will miss the day-to-day of being a teacher, the daily social interactions, and everything we do from morning to afternoon, because that is all I have known for 35 years.” For the last two years, Bevino has worked as an English teacher in the school’s dual language program. She quips, “I think I’ll even miss all the

summer prep and shopping for the new school year!” “I always looked forward to meeting new groups of children every August and watching them grow and change throughout the year,” adds colleague Jennifer Kepchar, a 37-year veteran. “I would cherish their excitement when they became independent readers. I will miss those milestones as well as the support and fun times with amazing colleagues.” Kepchar, who started in the district as a student teacher, recalls that Stratford Academy opened with the goal of racially balancing the town. “Special programs drew families from all over town,” she explains. “I taught first grade until the mid- nineties, when I became a looping teacher in a program that kept a class together for first and second grade.” For the last four years, after the move to the new Victoria Soto building for grades K-1, she has taught first grade. Marking a milestone While retirement brings mixed emotions— fond reflections as well as a chance to explore new pursuits—the end of a teaching career is typically marked by milestones, celebrations, and a final goodbye to a building and community that have been a second home and family. “We never imagined that the day we walked out in March would be our last time together and that we would end our careers at home,” Petrella explains. “We have said that it was like leaving in the middle of the night; there was no sense of closure. We missed our whole-school meetings, end-of-year class celebrations, and all of the lasts…last reading and math lessons, last Memorial Day craft, even the last car duty.” Knowing that, Stratford teachers and staff held a communitywide celebration in honor of their colleagues on the day of their planned retirement party. “Our amazing staff organized a big parade in our honor,” Petrella says. “It was like walking down Memory Lane and is a day that we will never forget. Stratford Mayor

Laura Hoydick presented us with a proclamation, and there was local news coverage. The school parking lot was decorated with signs and balloons. We were so touched by all the friends, family, colleagues, and former and current students who drove by, and we were overwhelmed by the many gifts of flowers, plants, gift certificates, cards, and more. We even saw former students who have since become teachers themselves. Since we have all been at Stratford Academy for our entire careers, we have had many children of former students. It is so rewarding to see what wonderful grown adults and amazing parents they have become.” Looking ahead, she says, “The next school year will be a challenge for all involved. We worry about the health and safety of our community’s children, families, and staff. It is going to be so important to address the children’s social and emotional needs, along with academics. We are proud to have been a part of the Stratford school district during distance learning. We went from sitting on the rug during morning meeting one day to learning about Google Classroom and Hangouts and creating online lessons overnight. We rose to the challenge by supporting one another, and teachers are going to need one another more than ever.” They will also need their union, she adds. “The Stratford Education Association and CEA always have our best interests at heart. They work hard to keep us informed about current policies, and we appreciate the extra hours that the leadership teams spend on contract negotiations, which provide teachers with good health coverage and working conditions. They work tirelessly to ensure we are well represented so that we can focus on the important part: the children. We have always felt their support and guidance, but it has never been more apparent than during these uncertain times.”

RECENTLY RETIRED? Stay active in your union, connected to your colleagues, and committed to Connecticut’s strong public schools by joining CEA-Retired. Visit cea.org/cea-retired.

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO BEGIN PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT CEA held a dozen virtual retirement workshops this spring, all at full capacity; more webinars are planned for the future. Check your inbox and visit cea.org for updates. Also watch your inbox and mailbox for the annual CEA Advisor Retirement Issue, due out later this month.