KINGS — Kings School faculty and students are bidding a fond farewell to retiring teacher Margaret Roberts.

“The students I have taught have made the hours, days and years memorable and worthwhile,” Roberts said. “I have also been most fortunate to work with people in schools and districts who are generous and giving, caring and concerned, and who have rejoiced in successes as well as commiserated in failures both professional and personal.”

When asked if there might have been a day most memorable during her 30 years at Kings, Roberts said many have been from the field trips near and far. The school has taken the students on many camping field trips over the years as well.

Roberts explained what has been the most rewarding aspect of teaching.

“The most rewarding thing that I or any teacher can experience is the moment that a student looks up with that ‘light bulb’ expression of understanding,” Roberts said.

Pictured, Margaret Roberts, center, is surrounded by Kings School faculty during her recent retirement open house. 

Inspiration

Roberts recalls her high school literature teacher as a source of inspiration and one who helped “stretch my imagination” allowing creativity to flourish.

Over the years, Roberts admits teaching is cyclical in nature. Former “great ideas,” she says, will surface again, but feels it is up to educators to “use the best of all of the great ideas” to teach children.

As for retirement, Roberts plans to travel as well as do some horseback riding. She also plans to garden more.

Before teaching at Kings School, Roberts taught at St. Bernard’s School in Peoria, reflecting on how fortunate she was to work with supportive and innovative administrators and colleagues.

“At Kings School, I found the same support and innovation,” Roberts said. “I have been extraordinarily fortunate to have found two such schools in my career which were staffed by such extraordinary people.”