There are teachers who make an impact, and then there are teachers who completely weave themselves into the fabric of a school district. Over the last 34 years, Nancy has done exactly that! A proud Coleman alumna, Nancy returned to her alma mater thanks to a tip from a family friend - and she's stayed ever since!
From her early days teaching English and a Basic programming class on an early Apple computer, to her decades spent mastering middle and high school math, Nancy has been an essential part of our school community. She previously served as the Union President for 16 years and also led Student Council, National Honor Society, Quiz Bowl, and Model UN. Despite all of these leadership roles, her favorite role was always just being a teacher.
Having taught generations of Coleman students, Nancy has seen education change dramatically. She remembers when attendance was kept with paper and pencil and grades were calculated by hand. But through all the changes, her love for her students remained constant.
"Seeing a kid's face light up when they finally 'get it' is the most special feeling," Nancy shared. "I hope they remember that I cared about them. I hope they remember that we had fun, throughout all of the work."
Her advice for the next generation of educators is a classic piece of wisdom she adopted from former Coleman teacher Larry Curtis: "Don't smile until Christmastime! Hold their feet to the fire, but make them understand that you care what happens to them and how they're doing."
Nancy's colleagues remember her with the utmost fondness, admiration and gratitude . . . and don't forget the dad jokes! Some thought from her closest coworkers:
Nicole Howdyshell: "She wears many hats and has always taken her jobs above and beyond. I know exactly when I need to grab a Coke for her from the back toom, and her 'dad' jokes are spot on!"
Diane Cauchy: "Nancy has a great sense of humor. Everything was more fun with Nancy, and we'll miss her laughter next year!"
Steve Fox: "Nancy and I go way back - all the way back to Elementary School! She has always been the victim of my jokes, with the running theme that she was many years older than me. I even told students I had her as a teacher! She eventually told the kids on the first day of school not to believe a word I say. She has been a great math colleague, a good friend, and someone I will miss dearly."
When she isn't in the classroom, Nancy loves to unwind by coloring in intricate coloring books - a peaceful hobby that will pair perfectly with her upcoming retirement plans!
First up on the agenda? A trip to Italy to visit her son, Steven. After that, Nancy has a very strict itinerary: "I definitely plan to do a whole lot of nothing! I need at least a year. Then I'll see how bored I am after that!"
Reflecting on her time with us, Nancy said, "I have enjoyed my 34 years. It's been a lot of work, but I've built my life around this school system. I will miss the people I work with, and I'll miss the kids. I might even miss the noise! I hope that people remember me fondly."
Nancy, thank you for building your life around our kids. Enjoy Italy, enjoy the quiet, and congratulations!
Mrs. Robison accidentally twinning with Mrs. Cauchy!
Mrs. Rob wearing the perfect shirt to match this bulletin board!
A well-deserved crown for the organizer of so many school dances over the years!
Mrs. Rob's first staff picture day in the 90s!