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First grade teacher starts, ends career in same place

LAUREL — First-grade teacher Karla Pippitt is ending where she began. Pippitt started her career with her student-teaching experience at Laurel-Concord-Coleridge. And in a few short weeks, she’ll be closing out her career, retiring after 39 years in the district.

After graduating from Coleridge High School in 1980, Pippitt continued her education at Wayne State College. She started as a music major, then switched to elementary education after the Children’s Literature course.

She found herself back at Laurel for her first field experience - with Caroline Olson in the first-grade room.

The following spring - in 1983 - she student taught with Mary Dahlquist. The next year, she was hired for first grade and she has been teaching at that grade level ever since.

Since Pippitt taught at Laurel-Concord and through the consolidation with Coleridge, she has had the pleasure to work with many different students and staff over the years. “I’ve had the privilege to work with some wonderful, dedicated colleagues and longlasting friendships that have developed are indeed treasured,” Pippitt said.

As the days count down, she recounts all the fond memories she has made over the years.

“My favorite memories include: taking kids to the annual trip to the Shrine Circus, local trips to banks and the post office, Christmas plays, end of the year k said. “I also enjoyed celebrating the spring with Mrs. Springley, writing letters to grandparents, and preparing graduation packets for former students.”

She has loved watching kids learn to read and learn to love reading.

“It’s amazing every year how far students advance from sounding out short words to reading chapter stories,” Pippitt said.

Being around the classroom for 39 years, she has seen the full circle - where students grow up, start their own careers and have their own families. Following the students as they grow up has been a joy, she said.

“It is certainly rewarding to see the success of former students,” Pippitt said. “Also, I’ve enjoyed seeing my former students become parents and having their children as students.”

Retirement will be a sort of shock to the system. After all, Pippitt has been doing “Back to School” since she was 5 - first as a student and then a teacher.

“I’ll miss the sight of brand new crayons, new shoes, new pencils, bookbags, and new students when school starts in August,” she said.

After retirement, Pippitt plans to spend more time with her two grandsons, Owen and Oliver. She will also continue to help on the family farm.

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