Coosa County Schools bids a happy retirement to two treasured teachers
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The elementary and high schools celebrate the retirement of two treasured teachers, Connie Hagan, left, and Lynn Strickland. Photo submitted
Connie Hagan, retiring Central Elementary School teacher with 27 years of service to Coosa’s students. Photo submitted
Lynn Strickland celebrates her retirement after 30 years of service to Coosa’s students. Photo submitted
Special to the News
Central Elementary School celebrated with Connie Hagan to honor her 27 years of service to the students of Coosa County.
Ms. Hagan started her career in Coosa County Schools at Rockford Elementary School and then moved to Central Elementary School when the schools consolidated. Ms. Hagan taught second grade, which includes all subject areas, for 17 years, as well as one year as a physical education teacher. She found true joy in teaching kindergarten students for the last nine years.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Hagan also served as a volleyball, softball and cheer coach throughout her tenure in Coosa County Schools.
When asked how she plans to enjoy her retirement, Ms. Hagan said, “I plan on drinking coffee and watching my cats, as well as spending time with my daughter and grandbabies, and doing some traveling.”
It is often said, “Everything you need to know you learned in kindergarten.” We are thankful for the strong foundation Ms. Hagan provided our youngest students. The skills she taught them, both socially and academically, will enable them to succeed as they continue their educational journey in elementary school and onto high school.
Although Ms. Hagan is retiring, the positive impact she had on our students will continue to be evident until the day her last kindergarten students graduate. We will miss you, Ms. Hagan, and wish you well in this next season of your life.
Central High School celebrated with Lynn Strickland to honor her 30 years of service to the students of Coosa County.
Mrs. Strickland started her career in Coosa County Schools as a substitute teacher and then transitioned to a teacher’s aide position at both Kellyton and Rockford elementary schools. Her tenure as a classroom teacher started at Weogufka Elementary where she taught kindergarten, first and second grade.
In 2000, Mrs. Strickland transferred to Goodwater Elementary where she taught two years in third grade and one year in fourth grade.
After the elementary schools consolidation, Mrs. Strickland taught fourth grade for 17 years at Central Elementary, as well as intervention for two years. Mrs. Strickland also served as the librarian at Central High School for one year, a facilitator for students taking online courses, and served students assigned to in-school suspension.
Over the last seven years, Mrs. Stickland has filled multiple roles as the Gifted Teacher, the English Language Learners Specialist and Media Specialist.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, in her early years Mrs. Strickland assisted with the elementary school pageants and sponsored the Technology Club, and she has served as the sponsor of the Robotics Team for one year, as well as the Art Club and more recently the Media Club and Cougar Broadcasting Network co-sponsor.
When asked about her memories in Coosa County Schools, Mrs. Strickland said, “Every day has a wonderful memory, yes, even on the hard days. The students make me laugh and they teach me a little something every day. The best thing is when you see the students have their ah-ha moment. It is just great. All students can learn; you just have to find a way to reach them.”
When asked about her retirement plans, Mrs. Strickland said, “I have not figured out the retirement part yet, but I am looking forward to it.”
We are thankful for the multiple roles Ms. Strickland has filled in the Coosa County School system over the past 30 years. She has touched so many students’ lives in a variety of avenues.
Although her retirement will be a loss for our school system, we wish her all the best as she also begins the next season of her life.
