By Mira Asllani 

Reporter 

South teacher Stephanie Ladd, has accomplished a 32 year career. This year, she is saying her goodbyes to the school and her students, as she prepares to step into retirement.

Ladd has taught U.S. history, history 101, 102, world religions, geography, world history and contemporary issues. Previously, Ladd was a track coach for the first five years of her career, and a NHS and future teachers of America sponsor.

It is important to note that she has been part of the school since it was first opened in 1991. Ladd has seen a lot of changes throughout the 30 years she’s been part of South, some of which were challenges she has had to overcome.

“I think technology has been a challenge. The change in 32 years of teaching from when kids had to schedule time to go to a library to use any technology at all, to everybody has immediate access. And I think making sure that my students are still having conversations with each other. Twenty years ago when kids didn’t all have their phones, at the end of the hour when we were done with work, kids would have conversations with each other and now if they’re done people pull out their phones instead of talking,” Ladd said.

One of the biggest challenges she faced, however, has been the past two years, but it is an experience Ladd considers as one of her most crucial moments as an educator.

“One of the most important (moments) was two years ago when we first had COVID and helping that group of kids and their parents get through it. Well, it was really hard to think that on Friday before spring break we said goodbye, see you after spring break, and then we never got to see them again. I think helping that group of kids get through that trauma is probably one of my biggest achievements or honors.”

Aside from challenges she has faced, Ladd reminiscenced about her experience, and her favorite parts of being a teacher.

“It›s been the best. My favorite part is the relationships with kids and other teachers. Just getting to know a new group of students every year is so much fun. I think sometimes I learn as much from my students as I do from other people,” she said.

She talked about some lessons she has learned throughout her long career.

“Patience. So what I learned is that all kids aren’t motivated about school. All kids aren’t ready to learn in the same ways; so patience and understanding. I think I’ve learned that there’s so much that happens to a student outside of school before they ever get here that impacts their learning that I’ve adjusted what I do based on that as well.” she said.

She continued talking about some of her favorite memories of being a teacher.

“When I was coaching track, one of my favorite things was playing cards on the bus  to track meets. I love hearing just daily conversations about history. If I give students some documents about the Social Security act or about the Montgomery Bus Boycott and I hear them analyzing those documents and then having intelligent conversations about them, that makes me know that this was the right thing to do. And then this morning I got a super sweet email from a girl who’s a senior that was just telling me that she appreciates that I’m always positive that I’m there to lend an ear, or I’m always willing to laugh if there’s something funny that’s happened; I know that I’ve been in the right place.” Ladd said.

When talking about what she will miss most, Ladd stated she will miss her students, and the close bonds she gets to make with them. What she won’t miss, however, is grading papers and new technology.

As an experienced teacher, she also has some advice for her students and younger colleagues.

“Be open. Have your brain and your heart open. If you have an open mind and an open heart then everything just comes easier. Learn to laugh at yourself, don’t take life too seriously and try new things. For a new teacher, hang in there. The first two or three years are hard but it is the most challenging and most rewarding career.” she said.

Ladd plans on traveling with her friends,taking care of her family, and continuing to work part time during her retirement, as a potential librarian or substitute teacher.