Mrs. Hampton is Retiring!
After 30 years in education, Mrs. Peggy Hampton is retiring from Tekonsha Community Schools. Her love and kindness toward all students and staff members will be greatly missed, but as a famous anonymous quote reminds us, “The influence of a good teacher can never be erased.”
Peggy followed her path into education later in life. Her children were all in school when she decided to go back to college and get her degree! She started first taking classes at Kellogg Community College and then transferred to Western Michigan University to earn a teaching certification in the field of special education. She said she always knew she wanted to be a teacher after being inspired by her Grandma Beulah, who was a teacher at Tekonsha Elementary. In fact, for the last number of years, Peggy has had the privilege of teaching in the same classroom that once was her grandmother’s room!
Peggy’s first job was working at Springfield Middle School in 1994, but she got a call from then principal, Mr. Clark, that there was an opening at Tekonsha if she was interested! She joined the Tekonsha staff in 1996, and has been a part of the Tekonsha staff every since! During her years in education, she has worked as a high school resource teacher, middle school resource room teacher, a second grade general education teacher, and an elementary special education teacher. She also spent a few years as the district’s Title I coordinator and special education teacher consultant. Ten years after getting her bachelor’s degree, she also returned to WMU to complete her master’s in learning disabilities.
She shared that what she has enjoyed the most about her years in education are all of the hugs from her students! Then she also shared that it has been a joy to watch students light up when they learn something new, conquer something that has challenged them, and experienced reading with fluency. She also shared that she has loved working at Tekonsha, especially because of the people and the community. “It’s my second home,” she reflected, “I will truly miss it.”
After her retirement at the end of the school year, Peggy is looking forward to spending time with her family, including her mom, her children, and her grandchildren. “I’m not sure what I’ll do with my time yet,” she commented, but then followed up with how nice it will be to see her family whenever the opportunity presents itself!
Tekonsha Community Schools will greatly miss Mrs. Peggy Hampton! We know that there are many current and past students and families that have been touched by her sweet spirit. Please come and join us in celebrating her retirement at a retirement reception on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 3-5 pm in the HS cafeteria!