Carolyn Haigler with retired Valdosta City Schools Superintendent , Mr . Walter Altman .
Q : Can you tell us about your plans after retirement ? Carolyn : “ I plan to travel . The specifics are unknown at the present time .”
Q : What motivation or inspiration kept you going ? Carolyn : “ Undeniably , the relationships that I built over the years have impacted more than words can say . Positive work relationships and AMAZ- ING children and parents motivated me to endure .”
> Carolyn Haigler is retiring with 41 years of service to Valdosta City Schools and 43 years overall in education .
Q : What are the feelings that are coming into your mind ? Carolyn : “ As I reflect upon my tenure with the Valdosta City School District , two words come to mind : ‘ extremely rewarding .’”
Q : Explain your teaching journey . Carolyn : “ I have been privileged to work with capable , dedicated educators who fostered academic excellence , student achievement , parental and community involvement , and my professional growth and development .”
Q : Rather than becoming a teacher , what else was your dream ? Carolyn : “ As a youngster my future endeavor was to impact children in the area of communication skills .”
Q : What are your hobbies ? Carolyn : “ My hobbies are exercising , reading , and engaging in Connect Word Games .”
Q : What is your message for upcoming teachers ? Carolyn : “ Message for educators : Instill a drive within ALL children to succeed , regardless of their background . Educators should ask for help as needed and learn from their mistakes . Message for children : SMILE , BE KIND , AVOID NEGATIV- ITY , DON ’ T GIVE UP , WORK HARD and always remember ... “ quitters never win , and winners never quit !”
Long-standing Educators
Desirai Pannell begins her 28th year at Clyatville Elementary School .
Q : Did you always want to be a teacher ? Desirai : “ Funny thing , I wanted to be a journalist first . Then I found my passion for teaching and learning through my love for children , so I decided to become a teacher .”
Q : Explain your teaching journey . Desirai : “ I was hired as a kindergarten teacher ; I currently teach first grade . But have taught co-teach EOSL students and special education , which is never the same . Every day , every year is different , so it has never gotten boring . I still have a passion , and I am not ready to quit .”
Q : How do you communicate and build relationships with students and parents ? Desirai : “ I believe once teachers become parents , it makes them better because you are able to put yourself in that position . Once I had my children , I was driven to make those connections with my students and their parents .”
22 Valdosta Scene | August 2022