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Published on 06/05/1995 All articles from this issue

Oak teacher calls it quits after 40 years in Los Altos district

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By Cori Barrett / Town Crier Staff Writer

Eddie Shaw has taught in the Los Altos School District for so long, one of her first students is now a fellow teacher at Oak Elementary School.

As the end of the school year draws to a close, so does Shaw's teaching career, who will be retiring after 40 years.

Her retirement marks the end of the longest teaching career in the history of the district, according to Superintendent Marge Gratiot. "It is really sad to see her go," Gratiot said. "She has always been a teacher who made sure her children got the best education."

Shaw began her career at age 20 as a student teacher in a fourth grade classroom at the now-closed Hillview School. She stayed at Hillview for two years and then transferred to Springer Elementary School where she taught for 35 years.

"I am really going to miss the kids the most," Shaw said. "And all the close friends I have made in the school district."

Shaw said she has stayed so long in the district because it is "a great place to work."

"I consider it a real privilege to have spent my entire teaching career in a district like Los Altos, where most of the parents and students are highly motivated learners," she said. "Los Altos strives for education."

Shaw has seen many changes in the children. "Kids have lost their naiveté," she said. "What children learn today is remarkable. They are so bright and learn so much at a younger age."

Shaw has spent the past 17 years as a resource specialist, working with children who have learning disabilities or those who need extra attention to succeed in school. "I just give them that extra boost so they don't lose their self esteem," she said.

Teaching in the same district for 40 years has given Shaw the opportunity to teach the children of some of her first students. "That has been a wonderful way to keep tabs on the parents and to know how they turned out in life," she said.

Shaw plans on remaining active during her retirement. She is the administrator of a private school owned by her family and plans on learning how to swim, speak Spanish and volunteer more at her church.

As the school year ends, Shaw has conferences and the usual end-of-school planning to keep her busy. In the meantime, as the final bell rings, Shaw said she is sure she will be "sad" when it's over.