MATTHEW BURNETTE, Staff Writer

Members of the New Union Elementary community gathered at the school on May 21 to celebrate the retirement of two long-tenured teachers.

Betsy Ratliff and Janinne Henley, both second grade teachers, marked the end of their time in education after nearly 40 years each. Ratliff has taught in the Coffee County School system for 38 years, 37 of which were at New Union. Henley has spent 38 years teaching with 25 years at New Union.

“I was tired of an alarm clock and getting up at five,” joked Ratliff. “You just know when it’s time to go. I mean, it’s a passion and a calling to teach, but you just know that it’s time to let the younger come in and then step back and enjoy the rest of your life while you’re still healthy enough to do it.”

Ratliff plans to travel to Norway and England this summer and then spend time doing a lot of antique shopping and enjoying her family.

Henley noted that changes in teaching led her to make the decision to retire.

“This was a hard year, but I’ve heard even on the news them saying how hard teaching is, so I feel like I’ve put in my time,” she explained. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it… I’m just ready for something else.”

A change of scenery is in store for Henley as she moves to Knoxville permanently.

“I have family there so I’m moving there and right now I’m just hanging out with them.”

Henley named working at New Union as her favorite part of her career, and while she is excited to get to spend more time with her family, it’s a bittersweet occasion.

“It’s an awesome school,” she said. “These are super people, and that’s one reason why I didn’t move sooner because of this school and this community and these people. I’m going to be sad to leave my school family but ready to be with my family family.”

Photos lined tables around the room chronicling both teachers’ tenures at New Union. Refreshments were served and pleasant memories were shared by all in attendance.

In addition to current New Union staff and students, former pupils, colleagues and even a couple of past principals came by the school to wish the two educators well.

Former New Union Principal Ray Winton, who taught at the school for 23 years and worked with both Henley and Ratliff, called the two educators “great.”

“Pretty much, you give them students and they take care of them,” he said. “They were real good. I hope the teachers coming in are as good.”

Current New Union Principal Bobbi Gilley noted what an accomplishment it was for both teachers having such long careers.

“Combined together, 80 years in education, that’s just amazing for two teachers to have 38 and 39 years doing the same thing,” she said. “They both have been staples here at New Union Elementary. Just look at the community outpouring that came to support them. Two of their former principals came tonight. It says a lot about them and their careers.”

“They were great teachers,” she added. “They built relationships with students their entire career.”

Ratliff and Henley both had big smiles on their faces when they saw the crowd that came to see them on their final day.

“I’m thrilled because there’s teachers here from whenever I was young, and it’s just like a full circle,” said Ratliff. “I feel very blessed.”

“This is amazing and awesome that all these people have come to see this,” Henley commented. “It’s very humbling, and I feel well loved.”