After 18 years in the first grade classroom, Debbie Howell has decided to retire.
“I have absolutely loved every minute of teaching and would not trade anything for it,” she said of her career.
However, that career did not take a normal path.
After being a stay-at-home mom, bank teller, preschool teacher and teaching assistant, Howell chose to return to college as an adult. Being a non-traditional student had its challenges.
“I was nervous and did not want to embarrass myself or my family. I put a lot of pressure on myself and felt like I always had to make an ‘A,’” said Howell. “I was the old lady that messed up the curve for the younger students!”
Howell also discovered that blessings came with the challenges.
Her daughter, Hannah, a high school math teacher, tutored Howell in College Algebra.
“I passed with an A. That was amazing,” she said of the experience.
She would also run into her son, fellow college student Allen, on campus.
“Hey, Momma, do you have any money?” Allen would ask when he saw her.
Howell and Allen also came up with a laundry service for him.
“Allen knew where I parked on campus, and he would bring his laundry and put it in my car. I would wash it and have it ready the next day for pick up,” Howell said.
As for youngest daughter Kaitlyn, she was supportive of her mom.
“She was a trooper through it all. She never complained and kept her focus,” said Howell of Kaitlyn’s attitude during the years her mother was in college.
As for highlights of 18 years in education, Howell said there are almost too many to name.
One of the most rewarding events was when her classroom was chosen to be filmed to promote reading with the Barksdale Institute.
“Even though I was very nervous, it was an honor,” said Howell.
Other highlights include receiving notes and greetings from both past and present students. This past year was especially memorable for another reason, as well.
“I had the joy of being at KLE with my granddaughter, Harper, this past year. That was priceless!” she said.
Covid-19 did change Howell’s last year, as she missed out on some special moments with her students.
“Every May, my husband, Danny, would come and help each child build a birdhouse for Mother’s Day. The children learned about safety, wore goggles, used a nail gun and understood how math was used in a building project. They thought this was the coolest thing,” Howell said of the project that did not get accomplished this school year.
She also missed sharing events like Field Day and Awards Day, and saying in-person goodbyes at the end of the school year.
As for the future, the Howells plan to travel together, and family remains important.
“I look forward to spending time with my children and six grandchildren,” said Howell.
But she will miss her colleagues at KLE, as well.
“I will miss you. Y’all are the best,” said Howell of her friends and colleagues. “Thanks, Mrs. Nowell, and everyone at KLE for the memories!”
