June 18th marked the end of Barbara Andrew and Karyn Montgomery’s careers at Kresson Elementary School. With nearly sixty years of combined passion for education, the two women head towards the next stage: retirement.
Barbara Andrew, the beloved reading specialist, has spent her career within the Voorhees school district, starting at E.T. Hamilton as a classroom teacher before transitioning to Kresson over twenty years ago.
Karyn Montgomery, a committed second grade teacher, has spent her entire career at Kresson Elementary.
The memories that these teachers collectively share are outstanding and impactful to say the least. Barb shared, “To be an effective teacher, you are always learning, because […] you want to make it unique to the kids and how you make the kids feel.” To put it lightly, she has had quite that effect. In September of 2001, I entered her second grade classroom, and as the world would have it, the year was extremely memorable from the get-go.
They both joked that one of their favorite moments are when students refer to them as ‘mom’, because it makes them feel like they are nurturing both mind and heart. When 9/11 happened at the start of my school year, the compassion Mrs. Andrew put into her students made sure each of them felt safe. And she has spent the remainder of her career ensuring just that for anyone who walked into her classroom.
“It’s not the curriculum that builds the relationship. It’s the other things,” expressed Barb.
Karyn further articulated exactly that: “They remember things you don’t even remember doing.” Whether it is a specific lesson, a pneumonic device, or a unique trick, teachers create memories that students carry with them throughout their childhoods and into their adult lives.
Students have also kept both of these teachers going through easy and difficult days. “Kids keep you young. I came back and a little one in kindergarten said to me, ‘Mrs. Andrew, where have you been? I lost a tooth and you weren’t here. It brings you back to reality,” Barb shared.
Both educators spent time reminiscing about years past and the future of education.
As this chapter ends, both women have new beginnings to embrace. With the end of the school year, Barb Andrew looks forward to the arrival of her twin granddaughters and extra time with her sons. Karyn Montgomery embraces life as a stay-at-home mom to her young daughter.
