Economy retires as NRHEG educator
FAMILY TIME — That’s what Julie Economy has had more of since retiring from the NRHEG School District after 33 years. She’s pictured with her grandchildren, from left, Kaeden Neitzel (holding Abby), Brynlee Neitzel and Zachary Neitzel. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
After 33 years worth of lesson plans completed for NRHEG school district, Julie Economy decided the time had drew near. So near in fact that it was time to retire.
“I do have some health issues and a desire to be free to spend more time with my sister, Barb, who is a resident of New Richland Care Center,” Economy said. “I want to be able to help my children and grandchildren and plant the garden on time for a change.”
Although she has no regrets, she dearly misses the kids and her grandchildren at school. The staff members are pulling on her heart strings too.
“I miss the conversations and the fun,” Economy said. “I will never be done with teaching. I will always do something with education, but I have not decided whether I will sub.”
Four days after retirement, she broke down and brought home a new pet.
“My puppy is a very energetic Morkie who has to go outside in the cold all the time,” she said. “I am waiting for spring. I have painted some things, read some books, spent as much time as I can with my adorable grandchildren, talked smart with my sisters and my friends, cooked a lot and most importantly slept past 6 a.m.”
Not everyone can say they had the privilege of working with “two very kind and supportive” principals in Ken Meyers and Doug Anderson either. It was also fabulous to be connected to her fellow educators, paraprofessionals, parents and students.
“They were all very committed, intelligent and supportive,” she said. “Teaching with my dear friend made every day great too.”
Economy can’t say she did all the teaching however. The district taught her some priceless life lessons that will forever leave an impact.
“The district taught me that one must always stand firm with one's convictions and always fight for one's beliefs,” she said. “I learned that all students have value and parents and teachers deserve someone with whom to listen.”
Passing on the teacher torch to Angela Talamantes may have been a little bittersweet, but one positive thing rang loud and clear.
“I am sure that she will treat my children with care,” Economy said. “I was glad that she would implement more technology than I was able to do. We also shared conferences in February to transition with parents.”
The unique teacher she was, she tried to teach her students tolerance, kindness and respect for all the people in the world. She too did her utmost to earn their trust.
“I wanted to teach them about the world,” she said. “I would read books like “Everybody Likes Rice,” or Native American stories. In fifth grade, the novels are history-based and in turn showed how to treat people.”
Not once would you find her in the teacher chair either. Every day she took a very hands-on approach.
“If we were learning about something, we might cook or bake it,” she said. “For the older students, I rewarded them with fake money or suckers for A or B grades or for improvement.”
For many years, she also had time to tutor students in the summer months. She just loved to teach, all the time.
“I always wanted to be a teacher, especially a first-grade one,” she said.
Economy first taught Montessori preschool and kindergarten in Naples, Italy on the NATO base. Then for 26 years she taught first grade in New Richland.
Then, when she was moved to Ellendale seven and a half years ago, that passion never wavered.
“I love the students,” she said. “I will probably still buy school supplies in the fall,” she said. “Just habit!”