Students will head back to class in just a few short weeks, but one familiar face will not be there to greet them as a staff member this year. For the first time in 20 years, Goodell will not return to the classroom in Clintonville, but will enjoy continue to enjoy the beginning of her retired life.
Goodell, a teacher of 40 years, first started one of many teaching jobs in 1971. She has been teaching in the Clintonville School district for 20 years and in that time, has been assigned to teach 9th, 6th, and 8th graders.
Many changes have taken place over the past 20 years-some good, and some bad.
“Some good things that I have seen throughout the years would be the commitment to individuals, and the need for a connection to the students,” stated Goodell. “Some bad changes throughout the years would be moving the teachers around. The teachers themselves have to be moved around to teach different subjects (which they might not know so much about). If the teachers would just have the subjects that they know the most about that would be helpful to the teachers themselves, and the students.”
Many memorable moments have taken place in Goodell’s career, and they all center around the many students she has taught over the years.
“One of my best memories is having new kids and new information to try out on the students,” Goodell stated. “Other staff members also provided many great memories, along with older students who aren’t in school any more who came back to see me because they remembered me, missed me, and wanted to reconnect.”
When asked what she will miss the most, Goodell said that she would miss gearing up for everyday activities.
“Teaching is not a boring job, it’s a rush,” commented Goodell. “However, I won’t miss correcting tons of papers and then posting them on Skyward!”
Goodell also commented on the political climate that is affecting decisions made within the Clintonville Public School District and other districts across the state. “I think the biggest concerns for this district are a shortage of money, no collective bargaining for the teachers, and political things that are overwhelming teachers,” Goodell stated. “Despite these challenges, the district has nice facilities at the middle school and high school, and there are a lot of caring teachers.”
Goodell says she looks forward to gardening and traveling in her retirement. She is also excited to continue creating mosaic artwork, and said she hope to start her own mosaic business someday.