Twelve Spencer school representatives have announced their decisions to retire at the end of the 2007-08 school year. With the upcoming departures of Macrina Tesch, Betty Brennan, Becky Dettmer, Noreen Meyer, Mick Ketchum, Maggie Nicks, Alan Pierce, Joe Enderlin, Penny Goedicke, Jan Johnson, Jo Ann Merrill and Pat Morisch, the school district will lose 301 years worth of service.

A retirement recognition coffee recognizing all 12 will be held from 3:45 - 5 p.m. today in conference room B of the school district's central office, 23 E. Seventh St.

Spencer librarian Macrina Tesch, Johnson Elementary teacher associate (TA) Betty Brennan, Lincoln Elementary teacher Becky Dettmer and Fairview Elementary instructor Noreen Meyer will be featured today. Retiring teachers and support staff members who have served in the local school district less than 20 years include: Spencer Middle School English teacher Ketchum, who started in 1990; nurse Nicks, who began in 1992; and SHS physical education instructor Pierce, who has served the district since 1997. Spencer High School social studies teacher Enderlin, Fairview custodian Goedicke, Lincoln reading teacher Johnson, Fairview teacher Merrill and Spencer Food Service Director Morisch were featured in the May 13 Daily Reporter.

Macrina Tesch

This Ruthven High School and Wayne State College graduate served as assistant director of the Spencer Public Library from 1974 until 1979 before starting her duties within the Spencer school district in 1981. Tesch, who began as a library aide 27 years ago, has served as a librarian since 1989.

"My role has changed with added responsibilities," she said. "I began my teaching career as the K-6 teacher librarian. This assignment covered the five elementary buildings. Later, the middle school was added to my list of libraries. Three years ago I added the high school."

The role of technology has marked the largest change Tesch said she has encountered over the past three decades.

"Our libraries have been automated for years. There are 26 computers in each elementary library; plus, the students have access to a computer lab in each building," Tesch explained.

Spencer's K-12 teacher librarian also noted that she's enjoyed teaching students how to use all the resources available in a library.

"It's satisfying to see a student using the card catalog and then actually locating the materials. This is a lifelong skill that everyone needs to know," Tesch said. "Another reason I've enjoyed teaching is helping students find the perfect book to read."

Once the 2007-08 school year draws to a close, Tesch said she's planning to spend more time with family members and traveling.

Betty Brennan

Brennan, who went from working as a "soda jerk" to a car dealership and then as a dental assistant, finally found her niche 26 years ago within the Johnson and Lincoln Elementary classrooms as a TA.

"I enjoy children," the soon-to-be retiree said. "I've enjoyed working with them and helping them learn, as well as seeing the growth they make in a school year.

"My role as a TA has changed somewhat over the years. There's more teaching with reading done by TAs now; whereas before we were more enforcers than teachers."

Brennan and her husband, Jerry, have one daughter, Kelli, who works as an elementary teacher, a son-in-law, who is a principal, and a "grandpup," Sadie, who live in Ankeny. While the couple plans to keep busy by spending time with family and friends and traveling, Brennan also intends to substitute within the district and do some volunteer things.

Becky Dettmer

Dettmer, who was raised on a Grand Junction farm in Greene County, attended UNI and the University of Dubuque, and has worked as a preschool teacher, a substitute instructor and as a classroom teacher in the second and fourth grades.

"When I interviewed for my job here (in 1986), I said that I would like to teach for the Spencer schools during our Spencer 'chapter,'" the Lincoln fourth grade teacher recalled. "I didn't realize the 'chapter' would get a little lengthy!"

Dettmer's husband, Rev. Tom Dettmer, served as pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Spencer for 22 years before semi-retiring last summer.

During her 22-year chapter as an elementary teacher in Spencer, Dettmer said one of the biggest changes for her came in the management of the classroom.

"When I started teaching fourth grade, I had my own homeroom for most of the day. Because of small group spelling, small group reading and the additional support that students receive, kids work with other adults throughout their day. I see this as a positive change," she said. "Through ongoing staff development, we look for the best ways to meet the needs of individual kids. One thing that teachers learn to count on is change!"

The implementation of various sources of technology in her classroom was another adjustment made by the elementary teacher during her Spencer teaching career.

"When computers first came into the schools, I thought if I just ignored them they'd go away," Dettmer said with a smile. "Now, I wonder how I'll get through my days without my laptop and Smart Board!"

Dettmer noted a "professional high" for her occurred when Lincoln Elementary received a Comprehensive School Reform grant in 2003.

"It was hard work, but I felt empowered by the strategies we learned, which made a difference in our students' learning," she said.

"I am grateful to students, parents, district coworkers, administration, support staff and fellow Lincoln teachers who have inspired me through the years," Dettmer added. "And, I'd like to say a special thank you to teaching partners Jean Pettiecord and Jan Mummert, and to principals George Kruger, Steve Meinen and Lucas DeWitt."

During her approaching retirement, Dettmer said she's looking forward to seeing the aspens turn gold in Colorado and the cactus bloom in the desert; to more friend, son and daughter-in-law (Tim and Carol, Matt and Abby) and grandchildren (Lauren, Adam, Miriam, Hailey and Collin) time; as well as reading and gardening.

"My husband has kind of taken over the kitchen in his retirement," she said, "so I'm going to learn to quilt and let him cook for me."

Noreen Meyer

After teaching third grade students at Remsen-Union for two years, Meyer chose to take several years off in order to be a stay-at-home mother to her and her husband Ray's three children. She was hired to teach kindergarten at the former Jefferson School in 1986, which she did for two years before being transferred to Fairview Elementary, where she has worked for the last 20 years.

"I really enjoy teaching 5- and 6-year-old children. They are so honest and loving," Meyer said. "Kindergarten children are such 'teacher pleasers.' They would do anything for their teacher!

"I have also had the pleasure of working with some extraordinary teachers who love kids and love teaching. I have learned so much from my colleagues at Fairview. They have always been willing to share ideas and we have become a second family for each other."

During her 22-year tenure as a Spencer kindergarten teacher, Meyer has witnessed half-day and whole-day programs, the beginning of a new KinderKids program and student use of computers.

"Kindergarten has become a lot more academic," she said. "We are now teaching children to read in kindergarten, when that skill in the past had been taught in first grade. Teachers have also been given the responsibility of writing more of the curriculum. All elementary teachers have been (participating in) writing lessons for small group reading classes for the past year. Another change in my role as a teacher has been the amount of assessments that we are required to give and report out on."

Meyer's plans following this school year include spending more time being a grandmother to their four grandchildren under the age of 4 and doing some volunteer work that she hasn't had the chance to do while teaching full-time.