DANVILLE — The following educators retiree from South View Middle School this year. This story is one in a series the Commercial-News published this year recognizing those who’ve been with Danville District 118 for 20 years or more.

Ava Kinder

Ava Kinder didn’t start her teaching career until later in life.

“I moved to Danville from DuQuoin and started going to Danville Area Community College when I was 34 years old,” said Kinder.

After attending DACC she transferred to Eastern Illinois University.

“I started teaching by splitting my time between Cannon and Douglas grade schools in 1988,” Kinder added.

She said when she decided to embark on a career, there never was any doubt that she would be a teacher.

“It is the best feeling in the world to know you are making a difference in young people’s lives,” explained Kinder.

“I also was blessed with wonderful principals to work for,” Kinder said. “Gary Rogers, David Carroll and Mark Neil were great administrators that I had the privilege to work for.”

Kinder said some of the biggest challenges are teaching kids who haven’t had a lot of positive life experiences or any stability in their lives.

She advises new teachers to treat the students the way you would treat your own children.

“I would also encourage new teachers to use a lot of people skills, when dealing with children,” added Kinder.

Kinder said she does leave a little part of herself in the district when she retires.

“My daughter teaches kindergarten in the district,” said Kinder.

Kinder said her plans for retirement include spending time with her grandchildren, becoming a Master Gardener and taking a photography class at DACC.

“And of course, I will be teaching summer school this summer,” she added.

Gayle Koonce

Gayle Koonce always wanted to be a teacher.

“I never thought of doing anything else,” said Koonce. “My mother and aunt were teachers, plus several other family members were also teachers. There just never was any question in my mind what I would do.”

With a master’s degree in library science, Koonce said the only other thing she might have done was to work in a library.

She offers this advice to new teachers.

“Persevere in what you do and be open to advice from veteran teachers,” offered Koonce. “They have been through and they may know something that will make it easier for you.”

Koonce said she plans to relax and travel in retirement. She also plans to spend some time with her two children.

SOUTH VIEW RETIREES

Name: Ava Kinder

Age: 55

Education: Eastern Illinois University: bachelor’s degree; Eastern Illinois University: master’s degree

Experience: Cannon and Douglas Elementary: 1988-89 —taught library skills; Douglas Elementary:1989-1994 — taught grades 1-5; 1994-97 — served as elementary guidance counselor serving eight different schools; South View Middle School: 1997-2009 — guidance counselor

Name: Gayle Koonce

Education: Eastern Illinois University: bachelor’s degree; Eastern Illinois University: master’s degree in library science

Experience: South View Middle School: 1987 – 2009 — taught eighth grade language arts and social studies

Also retired from South View in 2009: Jerry McGlaughlin – 21.5 years; Patricia Jones – 34 years; Janet Nichols – 10 years

Southwest Elementary School retirees: Linda Harrigan – 30 years; Edward Grove – 34 years; Carol Schulz – 11 years and Diane Schultz – 17.5 years