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Tracy Glantz/tglantz@thestate.com
Thu May 08, 2008-Columbia, SC-Paula Wilson works with her first graders during music class at Conder Elementary School. Wilson is retiring this year after 32 years as an educator.
Posted on Thu, May. 15, 2008
Salute to retiring educators
Kershaw: Friends, colleagues ready to hit the road
By JOY L. WOODSON - jwoodson@thestate.com
Name: Nancy Cheek
Age: 61
Education: Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, University of Georgia; master’s in education, University of South Carolina
Family: Married; children, a son, a daughter and two grandsons
Total number of years in education: 32.5, all in Kershaw County
Subject taught: Currently teaching SEAGUL, the gifted and talented program, grades 1-8 previously taught fifth-grade
What every teacher needs in her survival kit: A large package of creativity, a load of patience, and a big sense of humor.
Lynelle Rush
Age: 62
Education: Bachelor of science, Winthrop University; master’s in education, Francis Marion University
Family: Divorced; a daughter and two grandsons
Total number of years in education: 38, including 33 years with Kershaw County schools and five in private school
Subject taught: Currently a teacher for SEAGUL, the district’s gifted and talented program, for grades 2-8; previously taught kindergarten and first grade
What every teacher needs in her survival kit: A good sense of humor, acting ability and a love of children.
Age: 61
Education: Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, University of Georgia; master’s in education, University of South Carolina
Family: Married; children, a son, a daughter and two grandsons
Total number of years in education: 32.5, all in Kershaw County
Subject taught: Currently teaching SEAGUL, the gifted and talented program, grades 1-8 previously taught fifth-grade
What every teacher needs in her survival kit: A large package of creativity, a load of patience, and a big sense of humor.
Lynelle Rush
Age: 62
Education: Bachelor of science, Winthrop University; master’s in education, Francis Marion University
Family: Divorced; a daughter and two grandsons
Total number of years in education: 38, including 33 years with Kershaw County schools and five in private school
Subject taught: Currently a teacher for SEAGUL, the district’s gifted and talented program, for grades 2-8; previously taught kindergarten and first grade
What every teacher needs in her survival kit: A good sense of humor, acting ability and a love of children.
Three decades ago, Nancy Cheek and Lynelle Rush banded together to help bring gifted and talented educational programs to Kershaw County schools.
Hundreds of children later, the two veteran educators are saying good-bye to the classroom. It has been their second home, a place where they created a lasting professional and personal bond. It is a place they will miss, even as they start gallivanting across the globe in retirement.
“We decided that we would go out together because we teach side-by-side,” said Rush, who leaves with nearly 33 years of experience. “You just finally feel like it’s time to start something else.”
The two plan to tour places they’ve not visited in South Carolina, across the U.S. and abroad. Rush is headed to France in June, and Cheekwill tour Italy soon.
It’s the eager students and everyday learning that kept the two friends teaching so long. But, it’s ironic also, because neither one thought they would grow up to be teachers. Cheek was a computer programmer who was persuaded to go into teaching by a superintendent. And, Rush had planned to go to business school.
“I think I’ve learned each year something new,” Cheek said. “And, I’ve also enjoyed getting excited when the children produced wonderful work.”
Linda Shaylor, the teachers’ supervisor, said the two were not only instrumental in starting the gifted and talented program, but also they’ve been creative and hardworking in their classrooms.
“I’m happy for them personally for their retirement, but I’m definitely going to miss them in the classroom,” Shaylor said. “Not only their level of skill and commitment to students, but their leadership abilities with the other teachers.”
Cheek and Rush said leaving behind the teachers and students they worked with will be the most difficult. Last Thursday, was their final day standing before their gifted and talented classes held at Camden Middle School. For five days, they had to say good-bye to each gifted and talented class.
“We just leave them with a big hug, and tell them to have a great summer,” Rush said.
Reach Woodson at (803) 771-8692
