Written By: Owen Weems, Editor-in-Training
CONNECTION: Ms. Marlowe, an English teacher here at Poly, is retiring, but her impact here on campus will not be forgotten.
It is both melancholy and exciting when a teacher announces that they will be retiring. On the one hand, their presence on campus will be missed, as each teacher brings their shining personality to the school, but it is also time to be happy. It marks a new beginning for that teacher, as they will be free to pursue their passions and hobbies outside of school. Ms. Marlowe, an English teacher who has been working as an educator for more than two decades, has announced that she will be retiring at the end of this year. And while the loss of such a compassionate teacher is sure to leave many missing her class and teaching, it also offers a chance to celebrate what she has done for the Poly experience.
Despite proving to be a spectacular teacher, especially when it came to connecting with students, she “hadn’t always planned to be a teacher.” Only after spending time volunteering her time as a substitute teacher did she discover her love for teaching. It’s almost as if it called to her. She returned to school to receive her teaching credentials, choosing to focus on English as she was already “an avid reader and writer.” Her love for English has pushed her to create an environment in which students can learn to love it too. Her favorite part of teaching English is seeing “the students finally get it” – a twinkle in their eyes or improvement in their essays are telltale signs of students starting to understand the material. That passion for each student’s education is what made her such a loved teacher here on campus.
She also believed in making a deep bond between her and her students. She tries to make the classroom a “person space where they are comfortable to share” their ideas and feelings. This deep connection has created a classroom environment that many students understand is far from ordinary. Many students, such as Nick Flores (12), felt “the connection that she created with her students.” Ms. Marlowe believes that this focus on making a connection with the students is the first step in advancing a strong “teaching environment where the kids feel comfortable” to learn. Her focus on connection has helped her forge a deep bond with her students. She actively uses Remind to try to keep her students as engaged and up-to-date as possible, even when they aren’t at school. This desire to be connected to her students has made her a teacher which many have come to appreciate. She has even “kept in touch with students after high school,” which shows just how much each student loves what Ms. Marlowe has done. She was even “invited to one of [her] student’s wedding.” Her mission to be a presence on campus has made Ms. Marlowe a teacher that we are all very much going to miss. Students have really felt the “energy and passion” that Ms. Marlowe brings to her class. Students have felt as though she “truly cares for every one of them.” As Nick Flores (12) put it, “she listens to us and makes us feel like more than just students.”
Despite the freedom that comes with retirement, Ms. Marlowe is sad to leave “the strong community” that she is a part of at Poly. Although Ms. Marlowe is determined to come back to enjoy the parade every year, our retiring English teacher will miss the energy on campus that surrounds her favorite tradition: “the Homecoming Spirit Week and Parade.” With her group of English teachers she has made a close bond, so much so that she has made some of her closest friends here at Poly. The teacher in the adjoining classroom, Mrs. Yeyna, has become one of her closest friends through their experiences here at Poly. They have even started a tradition of “wearing matching outfits for spirit days” which has become one of her favorite traditions here on campus. She enjoys the “community that comes with being a Poly Bear.” Even students can feel her excitement for the Poly experience, as Giselle Gomez (12) explains, “Ms. Marlowe always seems excited to participate and express her feelings,” which is just part of what makes her such a great teacher. Through her time at Poly, she has helped build this community up into what it is today, spreading her excitement for the campus life with every classroom activity. Her love for the school is infectious, spreading to all of those students who are given the opportunity to be in her class.
From students to staff, many will miss Ms. Marlowe. Her fun, energetic, and involved personality made her a real presence on our campus. But her legacy will continue to be felt even after she has retired. Her room, which is going to be left empty for only a short time will be given to a fellow English teacher, so now he will be able to continue teaching in the same room as Ms. Marlowe. It is a metaphorical passing of the torch. Her impact has been so profound, affecting students, staff, and other teachers. From developing connections to creating a healthy teaching environment, Ms. Marlowe has truly shown that she cares about Poly and its students. Teachers like her are who make high school not just enjoyable, but valuable to students, and her presence will be truly missed. Let us all send her off with love and appreciation for what she has done for all of us.