By Jadynne Brady
Editor-in-Chief
Geri Norman is a retiring science teacher here at Blue Springs South.
How long have you been teaching?
I believe 28 years. 22 of those at South.
What have you been teaching?
Biology. So, I’ve had different classes in the biology department over the time I’ve been here. So, Biology I, Physiology, Anatomy and Physiology, Dual Credit Biology.
What did you do before this?
Before this, I stayed at home with my daughters for two years, and before that, I taught at Missouri Western State College. And also, I taught at a couple different high schools in Houston.
What did you teach?
Biology. Exercise Physiology at Missouri Western and biology in the high schools.
Why did you decide to retire now?
It seemed like the right time. My youngest [kid] graduated last year, so my kids are done, and it just seemed like the right time.
How does it feel to be leaving?
Weird. This has been home for so long. It’s very strange to think about; this is the end of my time here.
Is there anything that you’re going to miss from teaching?
The students. The students because that’s what makes things exciting around here. I’m also going to miss my colleagues. My department is great, I love the people that I work with, so I will miss them, and I will definitely miss working with the students.
Anything you’re going to miss about South in particular?
South has been a great place. The culture at South is great; my kids have all had an incredible experience here. The administration and the staff are very supportive of each other. It’s been a great place to be.
What are you going to be doing after this?
Oh, goodness, I’m going to be an Administrative Support Specialist at Graceland University. So, I’m doing something totally different.
And what is that?
More working with students, getting them in the right classes, and supporting students. So, not teaching anymore. It’s a mix of registrar, getting kids into classes, making sure they’re right places, student communication. So, working with students that are in one of the graduate programs.
What got you into teaching?
Goodness, that’s a loaded question. I originally didn’t want to teach because my dad was a college professor, so I wanted to do something totally different. I had incredible high school teachers, and kind of the relationship and the mentorship and the preparation that I had in high school, it set me up so well for college. That I thought that was an incredible opportunity. And I wanted to kind of pass that on to students.
Do you have a favorite memory?
I don’t know that I have a favorite memory, but I’ve been very proud to be a part of Blue Spring South, because I think it’s an incredible place. I think kids have amazing teachers, amazing opportunities, and it really sets students up for success. Just been very proud to be a part of that.
Yeah, do you have any advice for future teachers?
You are not in this alone, so utilize the support and the help and the advice of your colleagues.
Anything else that I should know?
Ah, I can’t think of anything. No, it’s just really weird. This is kind of coming to the end of my time here. It hits me differently at different times.
