Retirement reflection from SCOTT DONISTHORPE

WORK HISTORY
For 38 years I have taught students a variety of subjects in a number of schools.
As an elementary physical education teacher, grades K-8, and as a middle school science and history teacher, and last but not least, as a high school business teacher where I taught 9 through 12 students typing with a typewriter and accounting and bookkeeping, I worked for the Centerville Public Schools. 
Working for the Great Falls Public Schools, I taught science and math to seventh and eighth grade students at East Middle School. Eventually, I came to Great Falls High School, where I have taught students in grades 9-12 the following subjects:  accounting, personal finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, business law, financial tech skills, introductionst to business, management and independent study. I have also been the DECA Advisor.

MEMORABLE TIMES
Rolling softballs into Jeremy Smith's room while he was teaching at East.
Setting up the big Gorilla prop for when fellow teachers would come in and turn on the light to scare them. 
Wearing wigs with Geoff Habel while playing tin the facutly vs.students basketball game.

LESSONS LEARNED FROM TEACHING
I have learned we are going to make mistakes and learn from these.
We need to have fun getting to know who our students are from year-to-year, but we also need to always stay ahead of our students. My advice to new teachers would be to work hard and continue to learn every day to become a better role moderl for all students and staff. Be positive and respect all of the people with whom you work.

THESE THINGS MAKE ME MOST PROUD
Seeing young students/athletes excel, and then having them return and thank you for making their success better because of our teaching. Building relationships that last a lifetime, especially with those we touched and never realized.  

AFTER RETIREMENT
I will miss seeing students/athletes growing, learning and excelling in every day life lessons as well as communicating and having conversations about life and what they are going to be doing when they graduate or move on.

PLANS
My wife, Vickie, and I are planning on moving to Missoula where we will be closer to our three children and our three and soon to be fourth grandchild. I plan on officiating volleyball, spending time with our family and helping coach our grandchildren if needed. We will also be camping and traveling more after we get settled in our home in Missoula. 

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