Voice from a Retiring Teacher, Mrs. Jettner

I can still vividly remember the day. I walked out of my education class at GVSU and headed to the payphone. I called my home phone to check in and see and if there were any messages on the answering machine. There was one--from Jeffers Elementary.

With a million butterflies in my stomach and a racing heart, I eagerly called back and was offered the opportunity to become a special education teacher with Spring Lake Schools.

This was a day 30 years ago that changed my life. It has been an absolute honor to spend my entire teaching career in one district. I have had the joy of not only teaching students with special needs but also kindergarten, 1st grade, Developmental Kindergarten and I can’t leave out the entire year of remote kindergarten. I reflect back on all the lessons taught, the curriculum and the numerous meetings and committees over these years. However, what stands out the most are the relationships that were made along the way. The hours, days and months spent in a room with these tiny humans, witnessing their excitement when the concept just clicked. Hearing their stories, feeling their laughter and having the gift of guiding them to find their love and passion for learning.

Creating relationships with families and working together as a team to support their children to grow and flourish is something I will always treasure.

This work could never have happened without the support and friendships of my colleagues. And now it is time to pass the torch along. One of my favorite sayings to my families over the years has been, “the days seem long but the years sure do fly by.” Stay present for all the small moments along the way.

Thank you, Spring Lake!