Dortch retiring from RES after teaching 14 years

For the last 14 years, Rita Dortch has been a fixture at Rector Elementary. Now, after having helped form and challenge hundreds of young minds, Dortch is retiring from RES.

Dortch made the decision to become a teacher at the age of 46. Having worked with children through her roles in church, Dortch decided education was something she wanted to do on a full-time basis. She began attending Arkansas State University alongside her daughter, Suzanna. While attending class, she also worked as a substitute teacher at RES.

"I always loved working with children," Dortch said. "I had done some work with children in the classroom in church. From that, I decided I wanted to further my education."

Dortch says she feels fortunate to have been a part of the Rector School District.

"We have such a wonderful school system here. All the teachers and staff really care about the children and want the very best for them. I'm so happy they gave me the opportunity to work here. I have enjoyed all my students. They've been such an important part of my life."

Dortch taught kindergarten in her first six years at RES before moving to third grade. She says both levels have their own unique challenges and benefits.

"I loved being able to do all the thematic things we did in kindergarten. Learning about things like farms and space shuttles was exciting for them, because so much of the world is new to you at that age. In third grade, you can see how their minds have developed as you start preparing for Benchmarks and going through the lesson plans."

The Class of 2009 featured many students who were a part of one of Dortch's earliest classes.

"One thing that made me feel good this year was when the seniors did their slide show. Some of the kids showed a picture with me from my kindergarten class. It made me feel good that they had a lasting feeling from that and wanted to include it in the slide show."

Her relationship with her students is what Dortch says she'll miss most.

"I'll definitely miss the children. The grades that I have taught, the children are at a stage where they're so loving. I like the closeness you can form with children at these ages."

Dortch wanted to thank everyone who has been involved with her role as an educator.

"I appreciate the parents and their support throughout the years. As a teacher, it's really helpful when the parents are there with you. I want to thank them for letting me be a part of their children's lives, and for letting their children be a part of mine."

With her retirement, Dortch says she plans to spend more time with her husband, Danny, as well as her grandchildren.

"I don't have any definite plans. I hope to spend a lot of time with my family. I'll probably spend a lot of time playing with my grandson, Ian, and watching my older grandson, Joseph, play baseball at Marmaduke. I think I'll have time to do more things."