ARTA and Retired Teachers ’ Tribute
Refrain When you think about your teaching and the students you ’ ve been reaching Just remember , another best is yet to come . ( X2 )
When you became a teacher You had lofty goals to reach : You were set to fulfill dreams and change the world . Then realities came at you : You were overwhelmed by challenge , You worked twenty-four and seven to succeed To meet your students ’ many needs . You gave all that you could muster , Making everything worthwhile when they achieved .
The next decades kept changing : New curriculum , new methods ; You adapted , you learned and you improved . New initiatives were constant ; never time to rest on laurels , There was always the latest thing you had to do And always those new terms would come at you !
( Spoken ) Technology , balanced literacy , multiple intelligences , integrated centre-based learning , moral intelligence , learning modalities , hands-on math , modified curriculum , personal PD , individual education plans , PAT exams , changing modes of evaluation , pillars of accountability , coaching , staff meetings , parent meetings , committee meetings , supervision ( voice trails off tiredly )
At the heart of all your efforts Were the students touched forever . You planted seeds you know will grow always . You took the time for listening and you took the time for caring : You wanted them to know that you would stay . And now your treasured memories of successes you have fostered Still help you feel the value of your days .
Now retirement is your lifestyle ; You ’ ve found change is still around you , But at your pace , on your own whim each day . Bells are gone , and so are plan-books , Free from working in the classroom . Just wake up every day to pension pay !
( Spoken ) Supervision is now grandparenting ; Meetings — coffee dates and volunteering ; Coaching — yoga , walking , curling , golf ; Art is quilting , woodwork , hobbies ; Field trips — international travel ; Busily chasing goals and dreams since classroom work is done , We all pursue our ‘ bucket lists ’ as time goes marching on .
ARTA ’ s celebrating fifty Years of connecting and supporting . It informs and advocates for us Who enter senior years . May retirement life continue To be graced by friendly colleagues As ARTA carries on to be a strong and vibrant team !
Final refrain : When we think about retirement , and the teachers ARTA ’ s reaching , Just remember ARTA ’ s best is yet to come ! ( repeat )
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
ARTA
780-822-2400
Toll-free : 1-855-212-2400
email : info @ albertarta . org
News & Views newsandviews @ shaw . ca or
News and Views 409 , 11010 - 142 Street NW Edmonton , AB T5N 1R1
ATRF
780-451-4166
Toll-free : 1-800-661-9582
email : pensioner @ atrf . com
CPP & OAS Benefits
Toll-free : 1-800-277-9914
Johnson Inc .
Service : 1-877-221-2127
Home and Auto : 1-888-739-1209
Pension Deposit Dates
( Third last business day of the month ; early at Christmas )
November 28 December 20 March 28 April 26 May 29 June 26 July 29 August 28 September 26 October 29
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ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS ’ ASSOCIATION News & Views Volume 19 21 , No . 32