Go to the elementary school in Big Sandy or Big Sandy High School when Gwen Kane is there and you will find that already pleasant teachers, administrators more pleasant and smiling more simply because Gwen Kane is substitute teaching that day.
If there was a born teacher, it is Gwen. Makes us oldsters want to be young again just so we can take some classes from her.
We, at "The Mountaineer" had wanted to interview Gwen for quite a while now and when we asked for the story, Gwen told us that she could better do the story herself so here is Gwen's story.
It is the story of yet another resident who could be staying at home tending to her beautiful house, lawns and gardens, but instead of that, Gwen is busy adding so much to the community, that it is difficult to measure.
Why I love being a Substitute teacher
By Gwen Kane
When I moved back to Montana in 2003 I came home to our mother as her caregiver. The opportunity arose to take an early retirement because of government cuts that year in many of the schools throughout the states. My position of elementary librarian was one of the areas affected. The district had no choice but to keep the library open to teachers to be responsible for taking their classes every other week. There were 700 elementary students. I was told later that didn't go very well. 1400 books didn't get shelved during a two week span so volunteers were needed.
Since my retirement was forced upon me and the district felt real bad about me having to leave, they bought me an extra year for $42,000.00 so I would be in a higher bracket for my retirement income. I worked for a great school district that was very good to me and I to them. The other part of my job entailed being the computer tech (those cute little Apple 2's) and responsible for all the AV equipment. Both elementary schools at the end of the year every year turned in all their equipment. That amounted to a couple of hundred items and I cleaned and serviced every piece and put each item in a clean labeled bag. I had lunchroom, bus and office duty every day when the regular secretaries were out to lunch.
When I settled back in Big Sandy and tended mom for nine years I realized I needed something to get me out of the house. It didn't take me long to decide what I wanted to do. I went to both schools and talked to Cinda and Sherri. I filled out an application and at the next school board meeting a few days later my application was accepted and now you know part of my story.
The kid world is where I really shine. I love being there It is probably the most rewarding job one could have. My 23 years in Nevada was proof of that. I get to see the students progress and grow each year. It is really wonderful. I call them all, not being able to see them everyday. Working at the schools fills that void. Graduation is always emotional for me. To see those kids graduating and moving on and it is exciting for me to know that they are going to be experiencing new beginnings.
My first grandson Mitchell is graduating from high school in Kodiak, Alaska. My brother Jim and I will be flying to Alaska. Whoopee!
I want to say to all the new young couples that have moved here to make their homes...........Just know that this little town is a wonderful place to raise your families. People are wonderful and schools are great and in times of need, we all come together.
