I wrote this for Sally’s retirement, but there were so many wonderful accolades and speeches already, that I decided to tell a story about an incident at school instead. So not to let writing go unread, I am posting this in Sally’s honor because an excellent teacher like her, deserves the recognition of a posting.

The first time I met Sally it was at a Desert Area Teachers Association meeting. Sally stood up to speak and as I listened, I thought, “Okay, just another young teacher who thinks she has all the right ideas.” Well, I was middle-aged at the time and had been around teaching for enough years to be a little jaded. What I discovered as time went on was that indeed she did have the right ideas, both where the Teachers Organization was concerned and evenly more importantly when teaching itself was involved.

I remember our times in the School Improvement Program (SIP) and what a dynamic drive she was particularly for turning large SIP plans into smaller, more easily followed ones. Once again, she was able to see the entire idea clearly, while I struggled writing out every little minute detail.

Over the years, our teaching paths crossed and we attended conferences and meetings at the same time, but it was not until the late 80’s that we actually taught together. Those were our Las Flores years where Sally was more than willing to run off to Carls Jr with me for a lunch away from our fourth grade classes. And those were some the classes! Both Sally and I were jumping through educational hoops, working with challenging classes, and a rather competitive faculty. Our friendship really strengthened at that time and I felt blessed to have a colleague who viewed the whole picture with humor and understanding. The two of us spent a lot of time commiserating and maybe even plotting a little faculty revenge - just for the fun of it.

When Gateway Elementary, a new school in our district, was built, both Sally and I transferred. What a joyful and exciting time. I don’t really remember meetings every being fun, but those planning meetings for Gateway remain so in my mind. The opportunity to be part of a great team working to shape a new educational program was a highlight for all who were part of that first faculty and staff. Sally was definitely a driving force and a leader in this effort.

Sally was always willing to share her ideas. She was an excellent sounding board for all of us and always willing to listen and to help solve a problem whether it be a student, a fellow teacher, or a parrot who chewed the rubber off the map cabinet. (Josephine was the culprit.)

It was a sad day when our valley lost Jerry and Sally to Northern California, but distance cannot keep friends apart, and I treasure the visits we have had with them.
Sally is a major commenter on my blogs I love the support she gives my writing and it encourages me to continue posting.

The dedication and creativity with which Sally has graced the educational system will be greatly missed. However, retirement will be the beginning of a new and exciting adventure which I hope will include a weblog of her own. If Sally becomes a blogger, I know I will be there, reading and commenting.