
Joan Douglas has traveled and worked in several places and schools during her 34-year career. Beginning as a first-grade teacher at Mountain View Elementary School in Las Vegas, Nevada, she continued her journey as a pre-school and first-grade teacher to Camelot School in Castro Valley, California. Arriving in Great Falls, Joan has taught second grade, a first-second grade combination class, third grade and first grade at West Elementary for the Great Falls Public School System.
One of Joan’s most memorable times happened a few minutes before dismissal time. She said, “I was reading a novel to my third graders. From the corner of my eye, I noticed parents standing at the door looking into the room, so I looked at the clock and we had almost 15 minutes before it was time to dismiss. Having parents standing outside of my room seemed strange to me, but. I continued to read. All-of-a-sudden, it dawned on me that my clock had stopped. Panic set in, but from what I can remember, no one missed the bus!!!”
During her time teaching, Joan said, “I have learned, there is always a new day!!!”
As she reflected on her teaching experiences, she is she is most proud, “…that I taught for so many years.”
Joan knows that what she will miss the most is teaching, the students and everyone with whom she has worked, and yet, retirement will allow her to spend time with family and travel.
One of Joan’s most memorable times happened a few minutes before dismissal time. She said, “I was reading a novel to my third graders. From the corner of my eye, I noticed parents standing at the door looking into the room, so I looked at the clock and we had almost 15 minutes before it was time to dismiss. Having parents standing outside of my room seemed strange to me, but. I continued to read. All-of-a-sudden, it dawned on me that my clock had stopped. Panic set in, but from what I can remember, no one missed the bus!!!”
During her time teaching, Joan said, “I have learned, there is always a new day!!!”
As she reflected on her teaching experiences, she is she is most proud, “…that I taught for so many years.”
Joan knows that what she will miss the most is teaching, the students and everyone with whom she has worked, and yet, retirement will allow her to spend time with family and travel.