Teresa Zeimetz retiring after 39 years

CRESCO - Teresa Zeimetz is retiring after teaching students for nearly 40 years — the first 14 at Elma preschool, which is no longer in operation, and the last 25 years at Notre Dame Elementary teaching sixth grade.

Her most satisfying moments of teaching include “Watching and listening to students when they are excited about how they did or what we are learning about and being able to learn right alongside my students. Teaching Social Studies to fifth and sixth grade is my love!

“I also love having students and parents acknowledge me after they have left Notre Dame — just saying ‘Hi’ or stopping in my classroom always brings a smile and warm feeling to me.” 

One of her funniest teaching moments was when one of Mrs. Zeimetz’ students actually brought in proof that his dog ate his homework — in the form of a picture.

She stated there have been too many embarrassing moments, but the one on her mind is the one taking place in the last weeks of school. “One of my colleagues I teach with bought a life-size cardboard picture of me and is moving it everyday to a new location with a new message each of my last week of school!”

Mrs. Zeimetz noted she will miss being part of Notre Dame and the wonderful staff she has worked with over the years. “I will also miss graduation mass for my sixth graders every year and the idea that every new year is a new beginning for my students and I.

She will not miss the drive from Elma to Cresco in bad weather and doing report cards.

Her plans for retirement includes traveling with her husband, Nick. The couple has two daughters and one son, who are all married. They also have five grandchildren.

Other plans include getting involved in community service work and maybe start golfing again.