38. The Next Chapter: Retirement

Welcome to this special episode of Affton Unplugged, where Superintendent Travis Bracht sits down with two retiring educators from Mesnier Primary School in the Affton School District - Cheryl Ladd and Janet Peistrup. Each of them has worked extensively in shaping the growth and learning of numerous students throughout their teaching careers. In the first part, Cheryl takes us through her journey from an Affton graduate to becoming a beloved kindergarten teacher who took a break to focus on her family before returning to her Alma mater to dedicate another 19 years. Janet, a reading and language teacher who transformed into a reading specialist, discusses how her three-decade-long career has been instrumental in helping students acquire foundational reading skills. Sharing a sense of nostalgia, both the retiring educators illuminate their profound love for education, the undying passion which shaped their careers, and the positive influence they’ve had on students' lives. They offer valuable career advice for fellow educators and highlight how embracing change, balancing work with personal well-being, and maintaining an open mind can lead to better learning outcomes. In the later part of the episode, Cheryl and Janet share some heartwarming classroom stories, shedding light on the immense impact educators have on their students. As they head towards retirement, our guests express their gratitude towards the Affton School District for fostering a supportive environment that helped them grow both personally and professionally. Join us in this episode of Affton Unplugged as we celebrate the achievements of Cheryl and Janet, two exemplary educators whose contribution to the domain of education is truly inspiring!