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CLOUDY Temp: 61 °F Wind: WNW at 5 mph Monday, September 29, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine Joy Magazine Tempo A & E RogueValleyAutoFinder RogueValleyHomeFinder Real Estate Showcase Wellness Connection Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Employment Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend September 1, 2003 Longtime Walker Elementary School teacher Joy Dutson has retired. She�s taking a last-minute cruise to Alaska to avoid being around the first week of school, she says. Dutson is among nearly 200 Jackson County teachers who have retired. Mail Tribune / Jim Craven Life’s new chapters Some long-time teachers who retired will miss going to school By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune For nearly 25 years, Ashland resident Joy Dutson spent her Labor Day weekend focusing on the coming school year. But instead of drafting lesson plans, class schedules and a welcome-back speech, the longtime Walker Elementary School teacher is spending today contemplating the newest chapter in her life — retirement. "It was time to let somebody else have the reins," said Dutson. The 65-year-old said she’s coping with her feelings of loss and nostalgia with a last-minute cruise to Alaska. "It’s good. I don’t need to be around for the first week of school. It’s too hard." Dutson is one of nearly 200 Jackson County teachers who either transferred out of local school systems or retired after the 2002-03 school year ended. Less than half that number left the year before. Advertisement School administrators speculate that the mass exodus can be attributed mostly to educators who opted for early retirement in order to beat reforms within the Public Employees Retirement System. Dutson said her retirement had nothing to do with PERS, but added that leaving behind a beloved job has been more painful than she anticipated. The knowledge that her students will be left in the capable and caring hands of Walker’s staff has eased her transition tremendously, Dutson added. "Teaching is such a large part of who I am," said Dutson. "I’m definitely going to miss some things." Dutson’s feelings aren’t unusual, according to other retiring educators. A handful who took early retirement declined to be interviewed, citing painful feelings and difficulty coping with the back-to-school season. It’s a feeling that fourth- and fifth-grade Orchard Hill Elementary School teacher Barb Selby is all too familiar with. "I had this little, empty hole in my heart," said Selby, a 30-year veteran whose retirement was a last-minute decision prompted by PERS reforms. "It was not good at all. It was just a big void for me." However, Selby said two weeks ago she was contacted by the Phoenix-Talent School District and offered a part-time position as a music teacher. She jumped at the chance. "It’s going to be great. I’m so excited," said Selby. "Emotionally, I was just not ready to let go." Longtime North Medford High School music instructor and band leader Steve Thickett also opted for early retirement this summer. He said it’s very strange not to take part in the back-to- school rush. "I’ve thought about it many times," he said. Although he misses the adrenaline rush that hits educators during the last week of August, Thickett said he’s glad he made the decision to leave. "I was ready to take a break. I couldn’t keep up with the pace. The job was getting harder and harder," said Thickett. "After all those years, I’m fried. I’m spent." Keeping in contact with his students through the summer and a wide variety of activities and chores have allowed the 30-year teacher to cope with retirement. He’s also looking forward to attending musical performances and events at the high school. "I can’t wait for the games so I can wear my nice new letterman’s jacket," Thickett said, adding that the jacket was a retirement gift from his students. "This would be a lot harder if I had to go cold turkey. I still get to see the kids. That’s the best part." Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. 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