Congratulations to the 20 staff members whom we celebrated and honored on the occasion of their retirement from the Needham Public Schools! At a recent ceremony we recognized our retirees and thanked them for their collective 325 years of service to students and their families.
To view photos from the retirement reception, click here: Photos 2023
I reminded our retirees of a proverb that has taken many forms over the years and goes something like this: “You will not enjoy the fruit of the tree you plant this year.” I thanked them for patiently and lovingly nurturing so many young lives - young people who will, in time, guide, support, and lead us. Indeed, our work as educators is not for the present; it is for a hope filled future.
I also acknowledged to the retirees and their families that Needham teachers and staff members are sometimes hard on themselves, often looking to see how they could have crafted a lesson differently, returned assignments more quickly, or reached out to a student’s family in a more timely way. Our staff members are frequently looking for opportunities to better themselves and always wishing they had more time to improve on their work with students and one another. They are tough on themselves and are rarely satisfied with being just “good enough.”
Many educators, including Needham’s educators, are often guilty of focusing on their blemishes and downplaying their accomplishments. There are teachers who worry too much about how they have fallen short or failed others; they fret about being perfect rather than recognizing that teaching and learning is imprecise, more art than science. We are, after all, imperfect adults tasked with the huge responsibility to nurture and improve the lives of the children in our care. Teaching is a uniquely human endeavor subject to the frailties - but also the possibilities - of the human condition.
I reassured the retirees that their service and commitment has profoundly and positively impacted the lives of our young people and their families - even if it is hard to see all of their successes at the moment. Their dedication, however incomplete and imperfect, will shape and guide our students’ lives and the lives of the entire community.
I concluded by telling our retiring staff that the students they cared for will not recall their perceived missteps or missed opportunities; instead they will remember an encouraging word and pat on the back; a broad smile, and the high expectations they had for their students’ growth and success.
And we, of course, will remember them for being outstanding colleagues!
