Sagamore Hills is so lucky to have some of the best teachers in the world. We are sad to lose some of those teachers this year (2016-2017), but they have definitely earned their retirements. We asked the following teachers a few questions about their time as teachers and about their retirement plans: Diane Jackson, Janet Jasper, Suzanna Quinn, Geri Stein, Linda Menendez, James Garner, Ernestine Cooper, and Sarah Brown.
Why did you become a teacher? Who/what inspired you to do so?
- Jackson
- I had two aunts who were both teachers that were role models for me. I saw how they enjoyed teaching and how fulfilling teaching was for them.
- Jasper
- My parents were teachers, so it was in my genes.
- Quinn
- My father taught for 37 years and was a huge inspiration to me.
- Stein
- When my children were in elementary school I began substitute teaching in Dekalb County. While I was substituting, several parents, students, and principals approached me and encouraged me to pursue full time teaching.
- Menendez
- I can’t think of any particular person that inspired me to become a teacher.
- Garner
- I became a teacher because I just had a knack for it.
- Cooper
- As the youngest in my family of five children, we played school over the summer. My siblings would never allow me to be the teacher. I started teaching my baby dolls and teddy bears. I’ve always enjoyed working with children.
- Brown
- It’s been so long, I don’t really remember.
What year did you begin teaching and where?
- Jackson
- I started teaching in 1987 at Sagamore
- Jasper
- I began teaching in 1982 in Monroe, LA.
- Quin
- I became a classroom teacher in 1991 at Sagamore.
- Stein
- In 2006 I accepted a teaching position at Sagamore in the third grade. I began teaching in one of the Learning Cottages.
- Menendez
- I started teaching 30 years ago at Avondale Elementary.
- Garner
- I began teaching at Avondale Elementary School in 1988.
- Cooper
- 1987, in Florence County School District 3, South Carolina
- Brown
- Briarcliff High School in 1986
How long have you been teaching in Dekalb county? At Sagamore?
- Jackson
- I have been teaching for 30 years, all at Sagamore.
- Jasper
- 22 years in Dekalb, 15 years at Sagamore
- Quinn
- I have been at Sagamore for 30 years, first as a para and then as a teacher.
- Stein
- My position at Sagamore has been the only full time teaching assignment that I have had.
- Menendez
- Dekalb: 30, Sagamore: 13
- Garner
- I have been teaching in Dekalb for 29 years and here at Sagamore for 18 of those years.
- Cooper
- Since 1990. At Sagamore:12 years
- Brown
- Dekalb: 29 years, Sagamore: 24
Did you spearhead or participate in any new programs at Sagamore that you are particularly proud of?
- Jackson
- I participated in the very first SciQuest camp and ultimately directed it for 6 or 7 years.
- Quinn
- I started the SciQuest Summer Camp.
I coached the first LEGO Robotics team.
Started the first Garden Club.
I was the first co-director of the ASA program.
I was a coach of the first SeaPerch team. - Stein
- Each of my years at Sagamore have included unique challenges and personal achievements. These include:
Creating an stimulating an active teaching environment
Conducting hands on science activities
Promoting a love of reading among all of my students
Creating a passion in my students to become effective writers
Helping to implement the STEM program
Endeavoring to instill in each of my students a sensitivity to their fellow students and empathy for others and to the world around them - Garner
- I was in charge of the Rock Eagle and Jekyll Island overnight field trips for 5th Grade. In 15 years, I never lost a kid.
- Brown
- I am proud of Reading Bowl. It encourages the kids to read books they might not read otherwise.
What is your favorite Sagamore memory?
- Jackson
- My favorite moment at Sagamore was when I was voted Teacher of the Year
- Jasper
- My favorite memories are from when my own children attended Sagamore, before I ever got here.
- Quinn
- The first day that I walked into my first classroom.
- Stein
- I have been blessed with many fond memories regarding the students, parents, and fellow staff members at Sagamore. I have particularly enjoyed seeing the lightbulbs go on when a child has had an exciting learning experience.
- Menendez
- I love when we have centers and I can just talk and play with the children. That is when I really get to know them.
- Garner
- My favorite Sagamore memory was competing against the students in Reading Bowl.
- Cooper
- Having my children come to work with me for a few years.
- Brown
- Seeing Mr. Garner’s classes in the library reading.
What are your plans for retirement?
- Jackson
- I plan to attend as many tennis tournaments as possible, starting with the US Open in NY. And to spend time with my granddaughter, who was born May 1st!
- Jasper
- I am retiring to be a full time grandmother (baby due in October)!
- Quinn
- Traveling, gardening, relaxing
- Stein
- Ecclesiastes 2:14 says “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” I have immensely enjoyed my journey as a teacher and I have loved this path with a true passion. I am off on my new journey or quest…I want to work on learning how to be a writer…write a book or maybe two. I also intend to chip away at my travel bucket list. Exploration of local biketrails is also anticipated.
- Menendez
- So many….. plan to get to many of the National Parks then travel abroad. Relax, not set an alarm.
- Garner
- I plan to sleep in, read, and travel when I retire.
- Cooper
- Rest, travel, spend more time with family, and working as a Consultant or Speech-Language Pathologist
- Brown
- I plan to learn to weave. I’m going on a cruise in Nov to New Zealand.