Galesburg CUSD #205

Join us in congratulating Jody Chapman on her retirement! Thank you for all you've done for the Galesburg CUSD #205 School District, Jody. 💛🖤
How many years have you been in education?
💠34
What advice would you give to young educators?
💠"Always try your best. Always do what is right. Show others you care!", Lou Holtz.
What is your proudest moment?
💠Moving to being a dean and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
What is next for you?
💠Not sure yet! Except coach for one more year and I never have to work another Monday!

#Thisis205

Join us in congratulating Carol Buebe on her retirement! Thank you for all you've done for the Galesburg CUSD #205 School District, Carole. 💛🖤
How many years have you been in education?
💠39
What advice would you give to young educators?
💠Remember that they are just kids. They want to be loved and respected. I have found a little kindness and understanding goes a long way with students. Also, leave the job at school. Have a life when you go home. I wish I could get back some of the hours I spent on schoolwork at home, especially when my boys were young.
What is your proudest moment?
💠I love it when students keep in touch and tell me what is going on in their lives. It's so fulfilling to watch them grow, establish careers, and if they choose to, start families.
What is next for you?
💠We would love to travel. That is something we haven't done a lot of. I would also like to get more involved some of the organizations I have been in for years.

#Thisis205

Join us in congratulating Tracy McCoy on her retirement! Thank you for all you've done for the Galesburg CUSD #205 School District, Tracy. 💛🖤

How many years have you been in education?
💠26

What advice would you give to young educators?
💠Building strong student relationships, set firm classroom routines, and always take the advice of a veteran teacher and paraprofessionals.

What is your proudest moment?
💠I’m most proud of being a reason a child smiled. I always believed laughter and joy are essential to learning.

What is next for you?
💠Traveling with my husband in our 1965 Chevy pickup truck, spending time with my family, and enjoying my beautiful grandchildren.

#Thisis205

Join us in congratulating Tara Denhart on her retirement! Thank you for all you've done for the Galesburg CUSD #205 School District, Tara. 💛🖤

How many years have you been in education?
💠33

What advice would you give to younger educators?
💠My advice to younger educators would be to build relationships with students - it's amazing what you learn about them, establish classroom expectations and routines immediately, and be sure to focus on self-care so you don't burn out. Be adaptable - education and schedules are constantly changing, ask for help from your colleagues, mistakes are learning opportunities, not the end of the world, and be organized.

What is your proudest moment?
💠I have several proud moments, but these two are my favorites: when students get excited about reading and the "aha" moment when they see the plot twist; receiving letters from past students - I have kept them all!

What is next for you?
💠Travel with my husband, continue my part-time job as a nail technician, and begin working in my new job as GJSHS New Teacher Mentor.

#Thisis205