A retiring teacher with a golden heart

As this 2015-2016 school year ends, celebrations and graduations abound. Students are ready for summer and their new challenges ahead. Teachers are also ready for a break to recharge and prepare for the next year.

All teachers are devoted to their students and give so much of themselves. Many teachers retire each year. This is about one of those truly dedicated teachers that should be recognized.

Jane Toole has been an ESE (Exceptional Student Education) teacher at Southeast High School for 33 years, over 20 years as department head. The special dedication and patience that is required to compassionately teach ESE students and assist their families is rare.

When someone has given so much to so many for so many years, there needs to be a celebration worthy of that dedication. In 33 years there have been so many examples that demonstrate her love of job and students.

One example is on the weekend of her son’s wedding in Alabama, she took a rare day off to make the drive. On I-75, she got a call that one of her students had experienced a crisis and needed her help. She turned around.

Because the student had minimal verbal skills and trusted her, she was able to assist the faculty and family. She spent the entire day at school, then got back in the car and drove to join wedding events in progress.

Multiply 33 years by the number of students each year, and the amount of lives she touched is astounding.

If you were her student, student family, or fellow teacher and she has been a positive influence in your life please write a message to her at, JaneRetires2016@gmail.com

This story was originally published June 13, 2016 at 2:34 PM with the headline "A retiring teacher with a golden heart."