There is an old saying that “behind every successful individual stands a teacher whose guidance paved the way“. 

It takes a special kind of person to be a teacher. They don’t do it so they will be popular. They don’t do it for the recognition. They certainly don’t do it for the money. So why does someone become a teacher? 

A teacher has an undying love of seeing young people achieve. Not only in their studies but in their development as they move from an adolescent stage to teenage years and finally into adulthood. 

It is the kind of desire and love that never dies.

At Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School, there are eight individuals who deserve special recognition. They spent most of their adult life educating the youth of the area before retiring. Combined they have accumulated 231 years of classroom. Now they have come back to continue their life work and teach once again at J-HES.

“On behalf of Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary, I’d like to take a moment to recognize our Retired Educators who have returned to teach our youth,” said  Danielle Copeland, J-HES Principal. “It is not often you get this amount of overwhelming community support. Their dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed. It is very evident that they are truly here for the advancement of our students.”

Retired Educators at J-HES

Mrs. Renda Patterson, consistent sub for 2023-24 year, 32 years of experience (Hawk)
Mrs. Irene Jones, P.E. long-term sub for 2023-24 year, 36 years of experience (J-HMS)
Mrs. Cheryl Burks, Kindergarten long-term sub for 2023-24 year, 26 years of experience (J-HES)
Mrs. Darla Milstead, 3rd Grade Math, 29 years of experience (Jasper-Henderson, Weston)
Mrs. Mable Houston, PAC/Literacy Interventionist, 40 years of experience (Grambling)
Mrs. Jackye Belton, Math Interventionist, 32 years of experience (Union, Hodge, J-HES)
Mrs. Terry Shackelford, Art Teacher, 34 years of experience (Weston)
Dr. Mason, 5th Grade SCI/S.S., 32 years of experience (J-HMS)