From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — After 45 years in education, Simona Herring, an English, speech and debate teacher, is retiring.
Herring taught at Hewitt-Trussville High School for the last 34 years of her career. She said she truly loves the students she taught in the community.
“The past 34 years at the high school have been amazing and I have beautiful memories to last a lifetime,” Herring said. “It does not seem like 45 years have come to an end.”
Over the years, Herring said she has felt the love returned by being named Favorite Teacher and having the yearbook dedicated to her several times. Although many of her former students are grown and have their own lives, Herring said a lot of them keep in touch.
“I do go to a ton of weddings,” said Herring. “I stay in touch with a lot of my students and some of them are really good friends.”
For Herring, teaching was about much more than a paycheck.
“It’s not just been a job, it’s been my life,” Herring added.
Teaching was also about making students feel good about learning and watching their confidence grow into successful careers and positive life choices.
“It’s not all about the curriculum, it’s a whole lot more,” Herring explained. “It’s making a child feel loved and welcomed.”
The beloved teacher also started a local adaptation of the national group Gay Straight Alliance. The Alliance Club in Trussville was open to students interested in philanthropic activities. They met once a month and focused on empowerment and advocacy.
“Kelly Till and I did it for several years,” Herring said. “So, this was a club that we started and we had guest speakers and did service projects.”
Herring’s mantra is simple. She said every year she shared the same message with her classes:
“Don’t ever be the reason someone does not want to come to school and don’t ever be the reason somebody doesn’t want to walk in this room because everybody in this room is equal, accepted and loved,” Herring repeated her mantra.
Herring truly loved each student. Even those who did not seem to be interested in the subjects she taught had a special place in the heart of Ms. Herring.
“My best memories are reaching that kid that hated English,” remembered Herring. “And having him say, ‘this isn’t so bad.”
Now that she is retired, Herring is hoping to tutor veterans who are working on getting their GEDs. She has been in touch with veterans’ groups to work out a plan.
Trussville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Pattie Neill said Herring will be missed.
“We love Simona and we will miss her so much,” Neill said. “I appreciate her passion for education and her service to Trussville City Schools as an outstanding teacher.”
