Nine longtime Scarborough School District teachers have had their final last day of school this week as they enter the ranks of retirees.
The nine are: Donna Jackman, primary school and multiage teacher, with 34 years of service; Carol Landry, kindergarten, 33 years; John Lewis, social studies, 32 years; John Snow, science, 29 years; Dean Zaharis, science and computers, 28 years; Ellen Ross, science, 28 years; Ruth Dubrawski, math, 23 years; Jean Lomac, speech and language therapist, 12 years; and Lyla Baldwin, Latin, five years.
During their time in education, the teachers have seen many changes in how they do their jobs. From the expansion of computers and technology into the classroom to the increase in paperwork and the growing size of Scarborough schools, teaching here today is significantly different than it once was.
Some teachers also have seen a shift in student attitudes during their teaching careers and today there seems to be a reduction of student work ethic, said Baldwin.
“Students seem to think ‘learning’ is a passive verb, ” she said in e-mail.
All of the teachers said they enjoyed their time in the district and the students they have encountered in the classroom. But many said their work outside of the classroom assisting with extra-curricular activities were some of the most interesting aspects of their jobs.
Lomac formed the Scarborough Middle School Drama Club five years ago. Today the program is very successful and at last count there were 65 students participating, she said.
Lewis said he enjoyed his 10 years coaching soccer, assisting in the production of the annual musical, and directing a touring musical group for 13 years.
“The memories in these areas are many and priceless,” Lewis said in an e-mail.
Many of the retiring teachers have been in the Scarborough School District since the 1970s and said the main reason for staying in the profession for so long was that they enjoyed working with the students.
“My work with the students is the most interesting part of the job and is certainly why I taught for so long,” said Dubrawski in an e-mail. “The students in Scarborough are great and the parents are very supportive of education. It has been a pleasure.”
The teachers will miss teaching and many said it would come as a realization this September when they will not be returning to school. However, most said they are looking forward to their retirement and some new challenges.
“I look forward to new adventures and the time to enjoy them,” said Lomac. “I have only just begun.”
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