Retiring longterm teachers feeling impact of school closure during final days of their career

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. -- Two of the longest tenured teachers in the Lucia Mar Unified School District are getting close to the end of their careers.

Barbara Babka has taught language at Judkins Middle School in Pismo Beach for 37 years.

At Branch Elementary School near Huasna, Carrie Angell has been teaching mostly kindergarten for 32 years.

The two women are set to retire in early June.

As the final few days tick by, they're finishing their careers in a much different way than they ever could have imagined.

"It's hard," said Angell. "I just really miss being with the students."

Both teachers have been away from their students since March 13, which turned out to be the final day school was open before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the school district to close down campuses.

"I’ve accepted it now, but my first three weeks home with the pandemic, I was pretty emotional because I really wanted to finish my year with my students," said Babka. “But just like life, I have decided to accept something that I can have no control over, so that’s what I’ve done."

While a lot of attention has been given to high school seniors who are missing out on many traditional rite-of-passage events and ceremonies, longterm teachers like Babka and Angell, are also missing out on time-honored traditions for soon-to-be retirees.

"We've had very fun retirement parties at our school for people that have retired," said Angell. "We do fun things with the kids, so yes, it is unfortunate to miss that, but maybe we can do something different and celebrate when it's a good time to do that."

"There’s a lot of rituals. Yearbooks get signed for the retiring teachers," said Babka. "We sit on the lawn as the kids all leave, and so to miss that last day, it’s just really sad to me, and also sad to miss out on some really fun times with my colleagues.”

Even as they miss out on traditional retirement events, both women are keeping a positive attitude during this unprecedented time.

“To not have that sense of closure is sad, but I'm a resilient person, so I figure it’s a different kind of closure and I try to hold onto the beauty of that," said Babka. "After teaching 37 years, it’s just really fun at the end in someways to have such a different experience. I’m just trying to embrace it with positivity.”

"I've shed a few tears, but I'm feeling excited for the future," said Angell. "I am so thankful for my 32 years here in the district and at this amazing, small country school."

With Wednesday marking "Day of the Teacher" in California, Babka has some sage advice for those just entering the profession.

“I would just say to teachers coming up, take the time to love the kids and enjoy them," said Babka. "Don't be so into pushing them every second. Kids that need that, they will do that to themselves. Just try to enjoy them because they are so funny. There are so many times they just cracked me up, and I have really enjoyed it.”

For Angell, she is looking forward to starting the next phase of her life, but also knows it will be difficult to walk away.

"Very bittersweet," said Angell. ":I could probably do this 32 more years, but I feel it's going to be exciting to do some new things."