Mary Ghys of Geneseo taught 25 years in Cambridge before retiring at the end of the school year.
She is a graduate of Geneseo High School and obtained her bachelor of science degree in education from Illinois State University. Later, she got her master of science degree in education from Western Illinos University.
She started in 1985 at the grade school, teaching mostly sixth grade. She moved to the high school in 1995 to teach Spanish and English.
She also taught sixth grade at Millikin Elementary in Geneseo for three years before she stopped teaching for 14 years to raise a family. She did some substitute teaching during that time.
“I have loved teaching,” said Ghys. “The best rewards has been watching the ‘light bulb’ go on and seeing former students succeed in life. I love to see and talk to former students.”
When asked how teaching has changed over the years, she stated, “When I first started teaching, the principal had a paddle and used it! Now we are not allowed to touch a student. Technology was an electric typewriter. Students were more respectful to teachers and each other.”
Some professional highlights of her career included attending the NCREL conferences in Oak Brook, receiving her Master Teacher Award and getting her masters degree.
Teaching high points include seeing students succeed both in the classroom and in life and visiting with former students.
When asked what advice she would give those pursuing a degree in teaching, she said don’t pretend to know everything.
“I am still learning and I am retiring,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice. It will keep you sane. You will learn more from your students than they learn from you. Make friends with the janitor, secretary and cooks. I’ve lived by this quotation: They have to know that you care before they care what you know.”
Ghys said today’s youth need to realize that education is very important. They need to develop a good work ethic - being on time, working hard and having a good attitude.
If she hadn’t become a teacher, Ghys can’t imagine what she would have chose as a profession.
“I have always wanted to be a teacher since fifth grade,” she said. “I think it is what I was meant to be.”
Her future plans include traveling, watching her grandchildren grow up and doing what she wants when she wants.
Ghys hobbies include going to auctions and shopping and selling on ebay.
Ghys and her husband, Richard, have a son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Julie, a daughter, Julie and a daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Chuck. They have seven grandchildren, Kristin, Jacob, Carson, Gavin, Jack, Morgan and Eric.
