By LINDSAY LANDSBERG and JADE STOLER
As the 2017-2018 school year comes to a close, the Jericho community says goodbye to 5 retiring teachers. Jericho students and faculty will miss these teachers immensely as they commence their retirements.
Beloved math teacher Ms. Jacobsen has taught at Jericho Middle and High schools for a total of 29 years. When talking about her experiences she said, “The community is so supportive, and the students are so interesting. My colleagues are just so professional and knowledgeable. It’s been very rewarding.”
Ms. Jacobsen plans on driving her Corvette, reading, doing needlepoint, and just relaxing. She says she is going to miss “watching a child working on a concept, and when they finally get it, missing that ah-ha moment.”
Sophomore Madeline R. said that she loves Ms. Jacobsen, and she’s one of the best teachers she’s ever had. “Ms. Jacobsen makes learning so much fun, and even though her class is incredibly difficult, she makes me enjoy learning the subject,” she said. Freshman Brooke M. said, “I’m going to miss her fun nicknames, spunky attitude, and enthusiasm.”
Another adored math teacher Ms. Zahn has been teaching math at Jericho High School for a total of 19 years. Ms. Zahn said that in her class, “We laugh and do math.”
Following her retirement she plans on becoming an assistant innkeeper. She also plans on traveling a little bit and relaxing. She is going to miss “the wonderful people here and having so much fun every day in the classroom.”
When talking about Ms. Zahn, math teacher Mr. Anderle said, “She’s always very helpful, and she has a vast knowledge of the upper mathematics, which is helpful for some of the Regents classes to see where we need to take those students.”
Spanish teacher Ms. Alonso will be departing after teaching for 16 years at Jericho High School. “Teaching my students at Jericho has been the most self-gratifying experience,” she said.
Unfortunately, Ms. Alonso has been diagnosed with an illness that has made it impossible for her to work any longer. She is handling her illness with extreme strength. “My plans for the imminent future are to keep enjoying every day as a new day, and to enjoy my time with my adorable four grandsons and family,” she said.
Jericho High School guidance counselor Ms. Becker is retiring after 13 years at Jericho. For the entirety of her career, she has been extremely beneficial for her students. Jericho High School principal Ms. Rosenberg said, “Ms. Becker was an advocate for students, and always made time to address students’ needs.”
Freshman Jenna W. said, “Ms. Becker was always willing to help me if I had a problem with my classes or schedule.”
Science teacher Ms. Zagelbaum will also be retiring after this school year ends. “My overall experience has been amazing, and it’s definitely going to be hard to leave,” she said. “I will miss the kids most. Watching them grow and develop was definitely my favorite part,” she added.
Senior Hunter S. said, “She was my favorite science teacher who was always willing to help me whenever I needed it.”
The 5 retiring teachers have made huge impacts on both students and teachers. Their work and influence both in and out of the classroom will remain with the Jericho community well after their retirements.
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Nice job Lindsay!