Final Countdown: 2025-26 Retiring School Employee
Name of Teacher / Employee: Kim Mattingly
School District: Logan-Magnolia Elementary
How Many Years at School District: 39 years ( I subbed for two years between my first retirement, and coming back to teach – Technically, I’ve been at Lo-Ma for 41 years).
What Jobs / Roles have you served at the District: I taught 35 years as a Kindergarten Teacher. I first retired in 2020 and then subbed for 2 years. I returned for 4 more years to teach 1 year of First Grade, 1 year of ½ day TK (transitional kindergarten and ½ day Preschool, and am finishing with 2 years of all day TK. I served on many committees over the years including the Leadership team (now guiding coalition) and mentoring.
Things you enjoyed most about your job: I love being a part of students’ learning and growth. It is so exciting to see the connections being made when a child learns something new.
Best part about working at the School District: Working with students everyday, helping them make connections and sharing a child’s growth with families have been a true gift. The staff I work with are incredible. Our district has a family environment and we help, support and care about each other.
What will you miss the most: I will miss my students’ eagerness and enthusiasm for learning, my colleagues, and following my passion for teaching.
Advice to incoming teachers, employees: Give yourself the opportunity to love your students and let them capture your heart. Teaching is not just a job but should be a lifelong passion. Stay positive! When you love what you do, you will want to get up to start a brand new day and greet your students with enthusiasm, love, and compassion.
Any idea what you'll be doing next fall when everyone returns back to school: I will be spending time and helping with my family (especially grandchildren) and friends. I am hoping to help the district with mentoring and substituting.
