Linda Emerson retired this year after teaching 6th grade Social Studies for 29 years only in Checotah.
“I’ve had some of the best kids and some of the worst kids, but I tried to make them all feel like they were my favorite.” Emerson said.
Emerson, like many longtime educators, has seen a lot of changes over the past 30 years.
“The biggest changes have been the family support system of the students,” she said. “A lot of these kids have no support. Many are being raised by grandparents and Math is no longer recognizable by whoever is raising them, so they get no help. There are a lot of single parent households too and everyone is just worn out.
“In today’s society, schools are raising these kids. It’s supposed to be their safe place, and it has turned out to not be so safe.
Teaching is so much more demanding nowadays. We have to be their parents, counselors, nurses and everything in between. It’s just a different time.
“I will miss getting to know the new kids coming in every year, but I’m ready to spend more time in my yard and more time bossing my husband, Jay, around. I plan on helping him with his chickens and getting our workshop cleaned and organized. Maybe even a little rest and relaxation finally.”
Debbie Lane has taught right next door to Emerson for years and she also retired this year. She stated she will miss the kids a lot but will miss her fellow teachers the most.
Checotah Public Schools also retired the following teachers and staff: Deborah Forsblom CIS Secretary Cindy Frame – MES Principal Lawrence Lane – CHS Teacher Billy Miller – District Maintenance Jyme Beth Powell CIS Teacher Suzanne Roberts CMS Teacher Angela Staveley – CHS Special Education Paraprofessional Nita Strickland – CIS Special Education Paraprofessional and Bus Driver Kelley Teague – MES Teacher Marshall Elementary said goodbye to two educators, Cindy Frame and Kelley Teague, with a nice retirement party, a beautiful cake, flowers, and lots of laughing and tears.
Tami Duvall who has worked with Frame for all these years stated she would take their secrets to her grave as they laughed and hugged, while Katelyn Walker who is taking over as principal next year cried and said she would definitely be calling for pointers. Frame laughed and said that they could call her any time, just don’t call her to come in and sub.
Several other principals and educators have also decided to move on to other school districts and opportunities outside of Checotah and will be missed greatly by all.
