Retirement Spotlight #1
February 15, 2021
Our first Retirement Spotlight is Mrs. Lisa Ravenscraft. Mrs. Ravenscraft has served the Southern/West Central School Districts for the last 34 years. We asked each retiree a few questions. Below is Mrs. Ravenscraft's story:
1) Tell us about your educational and career background such as where you received your degree, where you taught, what you taught and when.
"I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was a high school helper in Mrs. Ruby Steck’s classroom. I started the process at SCC in 1981. I really went there to play basketball! I transferred to Monmouth College (played BB there) and graduated in 1984. I applied to every school in the area and received a stack of, “thanks for your application, but we have no available positions.” Hard to imagine now. I worked at Raritan State Bank until a teacher’s aide position came up at Southern. I worked with Carolyn Waddell that year (1987) and then was offered a 5th grade position the next year. I taught fifth at the junior high in Media one year, and then moved to 4th grade the next. I’ve been in 4th grade for 33 years, and in the same school district, which is pretty cool. I received my masters from WIU in 2003."
2) Now that you are at the end of your educational career, what advice would you give to a new educator entering the field?
"With all the craziness, I’m not sure what advice to give. I have taught with some amazing people. I guess my advice would be to learn from those around you. Most of all, learn to be flexible."
3) What were some highlights or special moments from your career?
"There are too many special moments to tell them all. I still love seeing the light bulb - you know, the one where a student finally gets it! I have loved teaching long enough to have kids of kids, aunts, uncles, etc. I love having that connection when a new class comes in. Most of all, I have made some amazing friends over the years. We are there for each other’s ups and downs, celebrations, and sorrows. I will always be thankful for them."
4) What do you plan to do in retirement?
"What do I plan to do after retirement…. Well, my husband says I will need to get a job because I will be crazy bored. (Or maybe that was drive him crazy!) I’ve joked about working at Hobby Lobby, but maybe."
Thank you, Mrs. Ravenscraft, for your service and dedication to the Southern and West Central School Districts! Enjoy the next few months and a well deserved retirement! You will be sincerely missed!
