Hershey preschool teacher Teresa Cox is retiring after 33 years.
She began her teaching career in Dodge City, Kansas where she taught for 10 years. The last 17 years she’s been with Hershey public schools and 13 of those years were spent with the preschool.
She said when Hershey decided to put preschool in the school; she knew that was where her heart wanted to go. So, she transferred from fourth grade to preschool.
“I wanted to create the love of learning for these youngsters,” she said.
She smiles as she reminisces about the children’s innocence and how she takes opportunities to teach valuable social skills during their free time play. She said sometimes the children will say something inappropriate and that opens the door to learning a life lesson.
Teresa is a very active teacher and keeps the kids attention. She loves to keep them engaged by singing a song or playing a game.
She said no matter what, they are always learning skills that will take them through school.
She has walked miles backwards in the school for years teaching preschoolers straight, quiet lines and personal space.
Teresa was born in Omaha and moved to Elkhorn in 2nd grade and graduated from Elkhorn High School. As a child she always loved pretending to be a school teacher and she knew in her heart that is what she wanted to do in this life.
Teresa and her husband Ty have been married for 34 years and live just west of North Platte. They have two sons, Caleb in Washington D.C. and Cameron in Lincoln.
Teresa is looking forward to retirement so she can travel, volunteer more, get more organized at home, read, paint and spend more time with her mother who still lives in Elkhorn.
Teresa gave some advice for young teachers. “Make teaching fun, be flexible and honest.”
She would like to thank Hershey parents for trusting her with their children all these years.
Hershey School would like to thank Teresa Cox for her many years of dedication to teaching in the district.
“We were very lucky to have such a gem as you on our staff. Enjoy your retirement and make the time to get together with your friends in Elkhorn at Big Freddies.”
Please join us on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 3:30 PM in the Hershey Public Schools’ Cafeteria! Family and Friends are welcome to attend!
Article by Floydene Dressel