MEDORA
Luanne McCammon has spent a lot of time at the school building in her hometown over the years.
She went to Medora Community Schools from kindergarten to 12th grade until graduating in 1983.
Once she earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 1987, she was back in Medora to begin her teaching career.
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Click here to purchase photos from this galleryJust recently, she wrapped up her 33rd and final year, as she announced her retirement.
“The school has been a huge part of my life,” the 54-year-old said. “I’m honored to have taught at the same school I attended and in the community where I was raised.”
All along, teaching was her first career choice.
“I have always enjoyed working with children,” McCammon said. “I spent my summers during high school babysitting and helping with vacation Bible school at church.”
Mary Beavers and Karen McCoy, two of her former teachers, were her greatest influences.
“They were very caring and went above and beyond to help their students,” McCammon said. “Debbie Sidwell is a former colleague who was a wonderful mentor to me when I began teaching.”
During her career, she taught kindergarten, first grade, second grade and third grade. Most of those years were spent in first grade.
For the past four years, she taught a multiage classroom of first- and second-graders.
“I think I was drawn to teach elementary because of experiences with younger students at VBS,” McCammon said. “I enjoyed teaching the younger students because of their enthusiasm and excitement to learn. Many activities are hands-on, and students are eager to participate.”
She hopes she left a good impression on her students.
“I hope I have impacted their lives by being a positive role model and emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning,” she said. “I am going to miss the students. Living in Medora allows me to see some of my present and former students, but it isn’t the same as interacting with them in the classroom.”
Now that she’s retired, McCammon said she also will miss seeing her colleagues.
“I am going to truly miss working with my fellow elementary teachers,” she said. “I felt we were a good team who collaborated well together. The small school atmosphere at Medora is like a family. I cherish my years there as both a student and a teacher.”
One thing she remembers most about her career is being able to have her two daughters, Kelsey and Carley, with her at school each day. Her husband, Brad, also works at the school.
“It was difficult when my youngest daughter graduated,” Luanne said. “I was used to seeing one or both of them in the hallways each day.”
Along with being a teacher, Luanne said she sold tickets at sporting events for four years, and she and Sidwell were co-chairwomen of the school improvement team for several years.
For others seeking a career in education, Luanne suggests becoming involved in the community and getting to know the students and their families.
“Teaching involves a lot more than simply instruction and curriculum,” she said. “Teachers must also be plugged into their students emotionally. No matter what career you choose, you have to be happy and enjoy your job.”
While she enjoyed her career in education, Luanne said she’s planning to explore other career options to supplement her retirement.
“I enjoy walking and reading, so I do hope to have more time for those activities,” she said. “Teaching also involves a lot of long days, so I hope to have a little extra free time.”
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Name: Luanne McCammon
Age: 54
Hometown: Medora
Residence: Medora
Education: Medora High School (1983); Indiana University (bachelor’s degree, 1987); Indiana University Southeast (master’s degree)
Occupation: Recently retired after teaching for 33 years at Medora Elementary School
Family: Husband, Brad McCammon; daughters, Kelsey (Jon) Hall and Carley McCammon
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