Beloved Point Pleasant Teacher Retiring After 47 Years. Asks "Where's My Pension?"

When Mrs. Kelly O'Kelly started teaching in the Point Pleasant Borough School System, she didn't realize that she would become one of the most well-loved teachers the town has ever known. Principal Ann Dinterest has nothing but praise for Mrs. O'Kelly. "In all the years that I have worked in education, I have never seen any teacher who inspired her students the way Mrs. O'Kelly did. She had a way of reaching the children that was truly unique."

Mrs. O'Kelly remains humble about her career. "It was simple. I showed up to work every day and did the job. But in all my 47 years, I never liked it. Not at all. I've just never been crazy about kids. I see them as 'unfinished' people. Like a sandwich with one piece of bread and no mayo. Or a couch without any cushions. Who would want that? And that's what kids are, until they become adults. It was only the thought of my pension that kept me going."

In 1973, when she started her career, Mrs. O'Kelly never imagined that she would become such an icon of education, having won teacher of the year an unprecedented 17 times. "Yes, I never imagined it. Not in my worst nightmare. I kind of wanted to go into real estate or maybe cosmetology,  but my mother said teaching was more stable, and a good job until I got married. But I was already teaching for 12 years when I got married. By that time I settled for someone named O'Kelly even though my first name was Kelly. Anyway, after we got married, we figured I'd work a few more years, but one thing led to another, and here I am now. Over 47 years in a job I always hated."

Of course, the real measure of any teacher is how her students remember her. For Mrs. O'Kelly, almost all of her students will attest to how they were inspired by her to achieve. Former student and state supreme court justice, Justin Case, is one of the best examples. "Mrs. O'Kelly was a good fifth grade teacher. We'd get through the lessons fine, but what set her apart were the life lessons she would impart. Mrs. O'Kelly would sit at her desk and tell us that we shouldn't waste our lives like she had. She would say, if you want to be a manicurist or a plumber or a chiropodist, just go for it and don't listen to your parents. When someone says things like that everyday for a full school year, it really sinks in. She inspired so many of us."

"I'm glad that I was able to inspire some kids," said Mrs. O'Kelly. "But that was unintentional. I had no one else to grouse to, and it's not like the kids had anywhere to go, so I'd tell them how I felt. The kids were always happy about it, too. Some listened, or even asked questions. The others would take a nap or read a magazine, or whatever. The fact is, if you pushed the kids to get their 'required' work out of the way early, then kind of let them slack off the rest of the time, they all think you're a great teacher."

Mrs. O'Kelly was also a favorite with parents, who always appreciated her devotion to their children. "I'll tell you, the absolute worst part of this job was dealing with the parents," said O'Kelly. "They'd all come in here convinced that their little monster was exceptional. Well I've got news for them. If everyone's kid is exceptional, that means they're really all average. But you can't tell that to the parents. It's not worth it. I would just agree with them and say their kid was 'high spirited' if he was really a bully. Or that they weren't good at testing, when they really just weren't that smart. Face it, if your kid is really smart, odds are they'll be pretty good at testing."

Principal Ann Dinterest is planning a farewell dinner for Mrs. O'Kelly this spring. She anticipates a huge turnout from all the colleagues and students who loved and appreciated the beloved teacher. "I can barely hold back the tears when I think about her leaving," Dinterest said, her eyes welling up. "She has meant so much to so many people in this town. For me she was a rock that I could always count on. I will miss my friend dearly."

"Really? She said that?" asked Mrs. O'Kelly when she was told about the principal's comment. "That's nice, but I didn't know we were friends. It's not like we've ever gone out drinking or anything. I've always just considered her a co-worker I tolerated. I guess it's nice that she's planning a dinner, but I kind of doubt I'll show up. It's not really worth it for a gold-plated watch and some cold chicken parm. As long as it doesn't affect my pension, I'm going to skip it. My husband and I are getting outta here as soon as we can. I feel a bit like Edmond Dantès, finally escaping. And if you don't know who that is, you can just look it up. I'm done teaching you dopes."

Even in retirement Mrs. Kelly O'Kelly continues to inspire learning.