LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Teacher retires after 27 years

Dear Ocoee community:

After 27 years of teaching seventh grade Language Arts on the Eagle Team at Ocoee Middle School, I have made the decision to retire.  I have taught under the leadership of five principals and have always adapted to all the new changes each year in education.  

I want to thank the citizens and business leaders of Ocoee. Although I had several opportunities to go elsewhere, I always felt Ocoee was my home partly because of you. Throughout the years, so many of you were there for me when I encountered difficult situations (personal and academic) or needed help in the way of donations for my classroom. Your support, encouragement, and love meant more than words could ever express. It has been rewarding having many former students’ children pass through the door of my classroom.

This has been an amazing journey! Now I feel my style of teaching no longer fits the new norm. When the passion is gone and it’s not fun anymore, it’s time to leave. Thank you for the privilege of teaching your children. My hope is that they left my classroom with a thirst for knowledge, the inspiration to use their imagination to create, a desire to be successful, and a love for reading.  

Thank you again for everything and God bless.

Fondly,
Debbie Nostro