Ms. Keil, a beloved Special education teacher here at JCHS is retiring this year, after an extraordinary 31-year tenure. Throughout her career at JCHS, she has touched the lives of countless students with her unwavering commitment and passion for teaching. She is known for her deep involvement in extracurricular activities, serving numerous leadership roles.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Keil has contributed significantly outside the classroom. She has been the advisor of the forensics team, as well as a co-adviser of the Self Advocacy club and the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA). In her time, she has also coached fall cheerleading. Her dedication to student support and advocacy has been consistent throughout her career, leaving a lasting impact on those she has worked with. Her hands-on approach and involvement with student life makes her a student favorite.
Ms. Keil’s favorite memory from her time at James Caldwell High School is reading A Midsummer Night’s Dream alongside Mr. Phelan, whose many animated reading voices brought the play to life. In company with Mr. Phelan, Ms. Keil made sure everyone was excited to learn.
When asked what she will miss most about teaching here, Ms. Keil thoughtfully responded, “I will miss collaborating with so many great teachers over the years, and of course many colleagues who are my best supporters and some very dear friends.”
Heath Pane, one of her former students, recalls Ms Keil’s “ability to really reach someone. She was always able to make me excited to come to English class, and I think most of the class agrees. I’ll remember how nice she was, and I can never forget the passion she brought with her to class everyday”
As she begins her well-earned retirement, Ms. Keil looks forward to embracing the outdoors. She plans on continuing her summer, filled with hiking and kayaking through September. Then, she is looking forward to a bicycle trip in October, either through Southern France, or British Columbia. After that, Ms. Keil plans to take a deeper dive into the world of yoga, where she may even complete a teacher training program. Though these are her immediate plans, a relaxing and leisurely retirement are appropriate for the amazing career Ms. Keil had.
Thank you, Ms. Keil, for the lives you’ve touched and the difference you’ve made. Your passion for teaching is unmatched, and you will be dearly missed.
