There’s nothing quite like hearing your name called out across a grocery store, restaurant or at a park.
For Prairieview-Ogden’s Anne Pierce, it “never gets old.”
But for Pierce, the tiny voices that she heard decades ago are now replicated by their children.
“The kids I have taught are now bringing their kids to our school,” she said. “When you want the same experiences for your own child that you had, it says something great about your education.
“It’s very comforting to know that I’ve had some part in that.”
Pierce will retire from education at the end of the 2020-21 school year after 8 years teaching kindergarten, 19 at first grade and 9 in Early Childhood Education.
“I always had an affinity for children and am very comfortable around them,” she said. “It always just seemed like the natural thing to do! I love the exuberance young kids have while looking at the world so I really like teaching elementary.
“I like the intimacy of small kids and that they still are affectionate, open and sincere. Their joy of greeting each day as a new and exciting experience makes each day fun and special. Plus I’m always ‘the best teacher I ever had!!!’ (for at least a year!).”
Pierce has always seen her role as an early educator as helping students develop academically and socially, but more than anything, she hopes they see each day as a new opportunity.
“I think knowing you’ve made a difference in a child’s life is about the most rewarding thing you can do,” she said. “Hearing that they remember a lesson or a day or an activity, gives me such pleasure. Learning the basics of letters, sounds, reading etc, is just as important as being a decent human. We learn all that in the early years of school.”
Those building blocks, and fun activities such as Flat Stanley Around the World and The Three Piggy Opera, have helped some of Pierce’s students go on to become college athletes, scientists, and musicians, among other things.
“Funny to think they all used to fit in these tiny chairs!” she said.
After beginning her career in Champaign, Pierce was happy to serve for 25 years at Prairieview-Ogden.
“I love the families and staff at PVO. The small town vibe and atmosphere have always been so welcoming and dedicated. What we have lacked in fancy labs and equipment, we have more than made up for with creativity and togetherness. Some of my closest friends are co-workers. The kids I have taught are now bringing their kids to our school. When you want the same experiences for your own child that you had, it says something great about your education. It’s very comforting to know that I’ve had some part in that.
She hopes to continue to open up the world to more PV-O children during retirement, and maybe even hear her name called in new places.
“We have a family place in Northern New York on Lake Ontario that I will spend more time in retirement. But I’m also planning on subbing,” she said. “I just don’t see myself walking away from school completely!”
