Kathy Hunt Retires After More Than Four Decades of Teaching PCSC Elementary Students
After 41 years of teaching elementary-aged students, Kathy Hunt has officially retired from Plymouth Community School Corporation. Hunt started her career at Webster Elementary School in 1979 as a third-grade teacher, and in 1983 she moved to teach fourth grade at Jefferson Elementary School. In 1991 she became the second-grade teacher at Jefferson until 1999 when she moved to teach third grade, where she remained for a decade until becoming a second-grade teacher at Menominee Elementary School in 2009. She stayed in that position until a new opportunity caught her attention in 2014 to become an interventionist at Menominee, working with students who have learning disabilities. She remained in that role until announcing her retirement on May 29. “After 41 years of teaching, I have decided to retire. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the families and staff in Plymouth throughout my career. I thank all of you for your support along the way. I wish you much success and happiness in the years to come,” said Hunt.
Two of her biggest accomplishments and most memorable moments in education are moments she recalls vividly. “I wrote a grant and got the first computer for Jefferson Elementary School, floppy disk and all! It was the start of technology at the elementary level. I organized the Young Authors’ Conference with Norman Bridwell and Gordon Korman. Over 1,000 students and parents attended.”
Hunt said she decided on a career in education at an early age. “As a child, I felt bad for ones that were made fun of. I wanted to help young ones feel good about themselves and build self-confidence.” She earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and psychology from DePauw University and a Master of Science in special education from Indiana University South Bend.
In addition to four decades of full-time teaching, she said, “I was a Gifted and Talented Instructor, PEA President, PTO Treasurer, PTO/Staff liaison, member of Autistic Team, mentor for new teachers, an Orton-Gillingham Instructor, and taught summer school for many years. For the last 31 years, I have been a full-time minister as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I have spent, on average, 70 hours each month sharing with others how the Bible can benefit them.”
Retiring is already bittersweet for Hunt. “I love working with the students and their families, but at the same time, I know I need to spend more time with my family,” she said. One thing she said she will not miss is “all the paperwork!” However, she knows already she will miss, “helping parents and students focus on all the positive things that they can do and help them learn to compensate for things that are more challenging.”
“I have been married for 36 years to my husband, Wes. We have a daughter Aubrey. She and her husband, Keith, live in Indianapolis. She is a radiologist technician, he is a physical therapist assistant, and they both are full-time ministers as well. Our son, Collin, lives with us in Warsaw, and he helps bottle water, said Hunt.
Now that she is officially retired she said, “I plan to spend more time with my parents and children, continue my volunteer work as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, substitute teach, exercise, and have the time to prepare meals for my family!”
Menominee Elementary School Principal Craig Hopple said, “I have enjoyed working with Kathy this year. She has had a tremendous impact on a large number of students during her career. I wish her all the best in her retirement.”
