Elementary principal retiring after 36 years in education
IS IT TIME? - Doug Anderson says something he will miss most about his job is being part of students’ everyday lives. After working in education for 36 years, his decision to retire did not come easily. (Star Eagle photo by Deb Bently)
By JORDAN HOREJSI
Staff Writer
After 36 years in education, retiring elementary principal Doug Anderson already knows what he will miss the most: “Without a doubt, it’s that connection with the students—being part of their everyday lives, watching them arrive as kindergarteners, and walk out our door for the last time as soon-to-be sixth-graders.”
For the past 11 years, Anderson has stood inside the entrance to the elementary school, greeting students, chatting with them about everyday occurrences and developments. “The good and, sometimes, the not-so-good,” he says. “It’s been a difficult decision because I know how badly I will miss those conversations.”
Elementary Observations
As he finishes his career at NRHEG, Doug Anderson says he will miss being part of students' everyday lives. He shares the story below to illustrate the many paths a conversation with children can follow.
Recently I had the opportunity to fill in as the substitute teacher for our Bridges classroom. Bridges is the Pre-Kindergarten Readiness program at the elementary school. After answering the usual questions of, "Why are you teaching in our room?" and, "Do you even know how to teach?" we successfully began the afternoon.
One of the items in the afternoon schedule for Bridges includes phy-ed. As we headed to their lockers and began to put on our shoes, one young boy needed that extra bit of help in tying his shoes. "I can almost do it; I just need a little help," was his request. As I bent down to tie his shoe, he began to giggle and then took his hand and began to rub the top of my head. "Mr. Anderson your hair looks just like my grandpa’s. He has that big round empty circle on the top of his head, too!"
A new chapter
Anderson shared his intent to retire with elementary teachers a few weeks ago, and submitted his official notice to the district shortly thereafter. “The chance to retire has been present for a couple of years,” Anderson said. “I didn't decide until this winter that I was ready to close this chapter of my professional work life and to look for opportunities outside of school administration,”
Becky Jensen, a kindergarten elementary school teacher at NRHEG, said “I knew he was close to retiring, but I wasn’t sure if this was going to be the year.”
Prior to becoming a principal at NRHEG, Anderson was a fourth-grade teacher at Winfair Elementary School in Windom starting in 1985. Anderson attended St. Cloud University for his Bachelor’s degree and St. Mary’s University for his Master’s and certification as an educational administrator.
Of his decision to enter teaching as a profession, he said, “I had known for quite some time that I wanted to be a teacher. My inspiration was my fifth-grade teacher, Helen Mortenson, who taught at Murdock Elementary School. I would marvel at her ability to make connections with her students, her fairness, and her love of education.” Of his move into administration, he admits it took him a long time to feel ready to leave the classroom: “It was 25 years before I took that step,”Anderson recalled.
“I am very excited for Mr. Anderson to retire and take some time for himself,” Kari Buendorf, a kindergarten teacher at NRHEG for 22 years, exclaimed. “He has given so much to the district in the years that he has been here.”
Jean Greenwood, the secretary at NRHEG Elementary School for 28 years, said, “Truly, in my years at NRHEG, I’ve never worked with anyone as dedicated to his family, job, staff and community so effortlessly.” Greenwood went on to say, “He is humble, gracious, conscientious, caring and fun—both professionally and personally.”
“He has been very supportive of me during my time at NRHEG,” Jennifer Fredrickson, the choir director for the district for 10 years, stated. “Although I will miss him, I hope the next part of his journey will be very fulfilling.” Fredrickson also expressed, “He is a great listener, always fair in his decisions, and has a compassionate heart.”
“I will take a little time this summer to fully enjoy it,” Anderson said, “something I haven’t had the opportunity to do since I’ve been a year-round employee.” Anderson also mentioned that his wife, Julie, and he don’t have plans of leaving the NRHEG area, which, according to Anderson, “Has become home to us.”
Julie and I do have a secret desire to run a Bed and Breakfast on Minnesota’s North Shore,” Anderson confessed. “Whether or not that will happen remains to be seen.” In the near future, Anderson looks forward to considering other employment opportunities that may be available to him as a member of the NRHEG community.
As Anderson ends this chapter of his life and sets forth on a new one, let’s wish him good luck on his future endeavors, including running a Bed and Breakfast on the North Shore. As Jensen said, “Mr. Anderson will be greatly missed, but we hope he enjoys spending more time with family.”