BRENDA CRAIN TO RETIRE AFTER 30 YEARS IN TEACHING

After 30 years teaching in the Jackson School District, Brenda Crain will retire in less than two weeks.

Her personal life lately has been a series of important events, one following another, and because of that Crain has no time for sentiment.

There are things Crain has achieved in teaching; however, her real accomplishments are measured in what she gives back.

Crain has expanded the Electronic Bookshelf to four sites, brought 40 computers and thousands of books to the classroom and seen $265,000 go to the district, thanks to her efforts in grant writing.

As she puts it so well, "I have learned more than I have taught and I have enjoyed more than I have worked."

Her influence is evidenced in the staff members at Gordonville Attendance Center; Lisa Licare, Jerry Golden and Jolie McAlister, all her former students.

"It will be hard leaving my second family and my second home behind," Crain said. "The dedicated staff, parents and students are all a part of that family and they hold a special place in my heart that I will cherish as memories to be treasured."

When Crain started teaching in 1971, the annual teacher's salary was $5,400. Looking at it that way, she said, 30 years ago is the dinosaur age.

The years have passed quickly and were never boring, she said.

Crain talks about being in education as a pleasure and privilege, explaining: "Teaching has been a wonderful experience; I think it has chosen me, instead of me choosing it."

Crain counts her blessings of health as she moves through that open door of opportunity. Both she and her husband have elderly parents and have seen how the absence of health can take away the abilities they possess that allow them to enjoy life.

Crain looks forward to and anticipates the days when she can enjoy her hobbies with her best friend and husband, Joe, as well as her entire family. Crain's hobbies include rose gardening, horseback riding, hiking, reading and fishing. There will also be time to spend quality time with their parents.

With the open door ahead, she is ready to move on and grow. Her husband, a principal at Orchard Elementary School, will also retire this year.