By Jadynne Brady

Editor-in-Chief

The Jag

Retiring English Teacher Tamara Cipolla had always seen herself becoming a teacher, and the last 32 years has proven her right. 

“I have wanted to be a teacher since I was fourteen years old,” Cipolla says. “I have always enjoyed the atmosphere at school and could never see myself in a boring office job.” 

Cipolla had actually taught French instead of English at the beginning of her teaching career. She has always taught in the Blue Springs School District.  

“I taught French the first nineteen years and then moved to English. I loved teaching French because it was brand new to everyone in the classroom. Hence, I could see real progress throughout the year,” she says.  

Seeing students grow has been one of her favorite things to watch as a teacher. 

“I have loved South because I have watched thousands of students grow from unsure freshmen into confident seniors ready to take on the world. Seeing that transformation year after year is something I will miss deeply,” says Cipolla. 

For Cipolla, this is the right time to retire as she is ready to rest and travel. 

“Since I began teaching, 32 years have gone by, so it is time to travel and relax,” she says. “I would like to see only one 5:00 in a day now!” 

Working at South, she found motivation and relationships.  

“Teaching has been more than a career for me—it’s been a daily source of purpose and connection. I will miss the energy of the classroom, the curiosity of my students, and the opportunity to be part of their journeys,” says Cipolla.  

For any future teachers, Cipolla recommends focusing on the relationships that you form.  

“My advice for future teachers is to remember that teaching is about more than content—it’s about people. Support your students, challenge them, and celebrate their growth from year to year,” she says. 

At the end of her teaching career, Cipolla hopes that she made a lasting impact on all those that she taught. 

“I hope I made a positive difference in my students’ lives, just as they’ve made a lasting impact on mine,” she says. “It’s been a truly rewarding journey.”