Central Elementary bids a happy retirement to two treasured employees
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Dennis Lawry has worked for Coosa County Schools for 25 years. Mr. Lawry started his career teaching fifth grade at Goodwater and continued to teach fifth grade once the schools were consolidated at Central Coosa. Because of his strong instructional strategies, Mr. Lawry was transferred to the reading coach position at Central Middle School after eight years as the fifth grade language arts teacher.
Mr. Lawry worked as the reading coach and then the instructional coach for 10 years. Because of his strong leadership abilities, Mr. Lawry also assisted as a counselor, assistant principal and principal when needed. As an instructional coach, Mr. Lawry also assisted Shelby, Bibb, Talladega, and Calhoun counties, working with their teachers on implementing new instructional strategies in their classrooms.
When Central Middle School received the Blue Ribbon School grant, Mr. Lawry was put in charge of data collection and testing, providing the state with all data sheets, instructional materials and tests that he developed to assist teachers in classroom instructional strategies. In addition, as a Blue Ribbon School winner, he was able to take six students to Disney World to accept the award and work with other Blue Ribbon schools around the nation.
After the middle school was consolidated into the elementary school and high school, Mr. Lawry went back into the classroom to teach sixth grade history and science, which he said, “I learned to love and I was totally surprised as to how much I would enjoy teaching these two subjects, especially the weather and World War 2 units.”
Mr. Lawry added, “My biggest goal as a teacher has been to provide the students with a sort of structure where they were able to know each day what was expected of them. My biggest mantra as a teacher has been respect, both the students’ respect to others, and the respect the students get from me. I will miss the students the most. Not having any children of my own, they have always been my children, no matter their background. I always want my students to succeed in whatever endeavor they choose when they leave school. I will also miss my colleagues and hope they know how valuable I believe they are to their students’ success. I do not know what the future has in store for me, but I hope it will be a good ride.”
In retirement, Mr. Lawry plans on traveling to Wisconsin to visit his nieces, who all have families of their own now. He also hopes to spend some time working on his health, by trying to spend some time relaxing. In addition, he would enjoy staying connected to educating students by doing some contract work, which would enable him to continue to help students and teachers on developing the skills they need to be successful. Congratulations, Mr. Lawry, on your retirement.
Janice Pittman’s journey began at Kellyton 25 years ago and continued at Central Elementary when the schools merged, where she spent her first memorable years in room E-33. Over the years Mrs. Pittman has held various positions, including early childhood special education teacher at Sylacauga City Schools, psychometrist for Autauga County and education specialist for the Alabama Department of Early Childhood, before returning to Central Coosa.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Pittman has always believed that the earlier a child receives services, the better their life outcome will be. This philosophy has guided her work and reinforced her commitment to her students.
One of Mrs. Pittman’s fondest memories is starting her teaching career at Central Coosa and concluding it in the same room where it all began, E-33. Mrs. Pittman added, “The sense of community and support within our Coosa family is something I cherish deeply. Watching a child’s eyes light up when they learn something new has been the most rewarding part of my job and something I will miss dearly. As I step into retirement, I look forward to remodeling houses with my husband and spending more time with family and friends. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Stover, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Forbus, and Mr. Hubbert for their unwavering support and dedication to Coosa County Schools.” Congratulations, Mrs. Pittman, on your retirement.
