Becoming history

FORT JENNINGS - After decades in a fifth-grade classroom at Jennings schools, Helen Unverferth can say she's history, as the expression goes. Unverferth, who taught elementary pupils in Fort Jennings for 36 years, has turned in her final grade book.

History is what Unverferth said she has enjoyed teaching most.

"It's one of my favorite aspects of the curriculum, the explorers and early United States," she said.

Unverferth, who lives in Kalida, considers herself a bit of a history buff, especially when it comes to the Civil War. She and husband Bob have visited most of the major battlefields. Unverferth said she and her husband enjoyed taking their four children on summer vacations to historical sites.

"I would incorporate those experiences into my teaching," she said. "I'd talk about them, and the kids would ask, ‘OK, how many places have you been to?' "

In the classroom, "it's never a dull moment," said Unverferth. "You can teach the same content over and over, year after year, but there's always something different each time. That keeps it interesting."

Over the years, Unverferth said her biggest challenge has come with the responsibilities in preparing her pupils for state testing. "There's a lot more accountability for what's done in the classroom than when I started," she said. "Thirty-five years ago, teachers would come in and close their doors and focus more on topics of special interest. Now we have indicators to follow."

Unverferth said she thinks accountability is "a good thing, for the most part," but she doesn't completely agree with the state testing method.

"We're working with intangibles here. It's not like you're in a stamping plant, where everything you put in comes out the same," she said. "Kids' minds are fragile, and if there's something going on in their personal life, they might not do well, despite all their learning."

Unverferth said she appreciates the parental support and guidance of the children she has taught.

"We don't see a lot of discipline problems here," she said. "With such a small community, we have a lot of parental involvement, so if you have any trouble, all it takes is a note or phone call. We're very fortunate. City schools are a whole different ballgame."

For Unverferth, retirement was a difficult decision.

"It's not like leaving a job because you don't like the work anymore, where you're tired of it," she said. "I've always enjoyed being around kids and liked sharing."

In retirement, Unverferth said she and her husband will spend more time in Tampa, Fla. "My husband is retired, and we have a daughter who lives there," she said.

Unverferth said she will miss the mornings with her pupils, though.

"Kids are usually up. They come in and greet you, and they're ready to go, unlike some adults. It's just nice to see them," she said.