TROY - Elementary teacher Dianne Lee has been a fixture in the Troy Area School District and this week, the school board accepted her retirement.
"Troy is filled with amazing teachers and staff, and Dianne is at the top of a very elite list," said elementary assistant principal Che` Regina. "She is a vital piece in a very well-oiled machine, and will be nearly impossible to replace. We will miss her."
But Lee, who works at Troy Intermediate School, will be around a little bit longer. The board's meeting agenda notes that Lee's retirement date is effective Oct. 31. Recently, The Daily Review asked Lee several questions, which she agreed to answer. Here are the questions and answers:
How long have you taught?
I will have taught for about 28 years when I retire.
What grades did you teach?
I started off my career in special education at W. R. Croman. For my first job in Troy, I spent half my day in a trailer working alongside Mrs. Ulkins and the other half in a classroom in the building. I worked with Mrs. Kulago in that room. When Mrs. Kulago started teaching first grade, I taught in that classroom inside the building all day. Eventually, Mrs. Lamont worked in there with me. We had students in grades first through fifth. I loved it, but it was a job that definitely took a lot of energy and organizational skills. Each grade level had different recess and lunch times and within each grade level, the students went to specials like art and music on different days and at different times. The only way to keep it straight was to have pocket charts with color-coded strips for each grade and homeroom. To make it even more interesting, some of the classes were on a weekly schedule, and others were on a six-day rotation. I remember that Wednesday D days were the worst. I had to add a third pocket chart and we temporarily lost the y and z in the alphabet because there wasn't actually room for the chart. Every 20 minutes or so, students would have to leave the room for something and others would come back in. Lessons had to be taught in 20-minute sessions, too. I got so used to it that when I went home, I could only watch 20 minutes of the news. These days, when people complain about crazy schedules, I just smile.
Next, I went from classroom to classroom as an inclusion teacher. I worked with third and fourth grade.
When Mrs. Hutter went from fourth grade to the high school to teach home economics, I transferred into the fourth grade position. I thought it was the perfect grade level to teach. The students are very independent, they have great senses of humor, and they aren't quite into those teenage "angst" years yet. I continued to teach fourth grade when we moved to Troy Intermediate School.
What did you like most about teaching?
That's a tough question to answer because I love so many parts of teaching. I guess one of my favorite things is when kids are laughing, and I'm laughing, and we're all learning at the same time.
How were you able to make a difference in students' lives?
Well, I hope I've taught them in a way that will be memorable for a very long time. For example, I joke with them and tell them I'm going to show up at their weddings - invited or not. I demonstrate: When they get to the part where people can give reasons for them not to be wed, they will see a elderly lady slowly stand up in the back and say, "They can't be married until they can tell me what it means to draw a conclusion or make an inference." They get a big kick out of it. They even go out to recess and act out the scenario on the playground.
What will you be doing in your retirement?
I have five grandchildren. I plan to be available as a baby-sitter when needed. I want to actually be able to go and see my little grandson who lives in Georgia. If my mom and stepfather need something, I need to be able to drop everything and go help them. I intend to read - a lot. I have already purchased the complete plays of Shakespeare. That particular category has never been my forte when I watch Jeopardy. I hope to change that. I've also always wanted to give writing a serious try. I should finally have the time. Hopefully, I'll be able to work for more than 20 minutes at a stretch.
Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; email: reviewtroy@thedailyreview.com.