After decades of inspiring students and building a legacy of leadership, JoAnn Marty, Windsor High School’s esteemed English Language Arts teacher and Student Council (STUCO) Advisor, is bidding farewell to the halls she has called home. Her impact on the school and community will be felt for years to come, as she reflects on her career and prepares for a new chapter in her life. Marty, who began her teaching career in 2004-05, will be retiring at the end of the current school year. 

Marty’s journey to teaching was one rooted in childhood dreams. “I have always wanted to be a teacher, and I practiced with my sisters and neighbors,” she said. “My folks had purchased some old-fashioned desks and set up a room for me. While I didn’t start teaching until later in life, I have always known it is what I was supposed to do.”

Her dedication to education blossomed into a passion for student leadership when she became the STUCO advisor. Inspired by her own children’s involvement with student council at Seckman High School, Marty found a way to connect with her students and other schools. “It provided a nice connection to them, and it helped build a community with the Seckman and Gateway advisors,” she said.

Among the highlights of her career was hosting the Missouri Association of Student Councils (MASC) State Convention in March 2014. “Hosting the MASC State convention was the most memorable experience because our council and community stepped up and showed just how special Windsor HS is,” Marty said. “People still talk to me about the event and ask about the experience.”

Marty’s leadership philosophy has always been student-centered. “We are truly a student-driven council, and I have learned to step back and watch with amazement at what our STUCO kids accomplish,” she said. “There is a reason our school is a leader in the Gateway District, MASC, and the country. Students lead and provide a solid foundation for those who follow them.”

As an English teacher, Marty’s enthusiasm for literature and critical thinking has left an indelible mark. “I love being an English teacher! I love to read, write, and discuss,” she said. “It thrills me to provide new experiences, classic and contemporary literature, and critical analysis skills. Seeing light bulbs go off when working on a unit provides me with immense joy.” She added, “My hope is that when a student hears an allusion from Romeo and Juliet, they remember some of the fun activities we did.”

Looking back, Marty’s pride in Windsor’s students is palpable. “I love hearing how wonderful our students at Windsor are when out representing us,” she said. “It makes me so proud of them and all their efforts to make our community better.”

Keegan Murphy, the current Student Council President, captured the sentiments of many in his heartfelt tribute. “There’s a reason why people constantly call her ‘Momma Marty,’ and I couldn’t agree more. I had Mrs. Marty for both Freshman English and Student Council, and even though education was her first priority, her close second was the relationship she tried to get with every single student. My relationship with her continued to grow year after year. Whenever I had questions or concerns, I knew I could go to her for a truthful, thorough answer. She always had my back in any situation, and she was the first one to pick me up whenever I got down on myself. The fact that she constantly challenged me to grow as a leader every single day is something I’m so grateful for, and the relationship I obtained with her over these four years is something that will continue to impact and transform me. Additionally, the ‘Marty Party’ will continue to be celebrated at Windsor High School, and nothing will ever come close to the legacy Mrs. Marty has left on all of us!”

As she prepares for retirement, Marty offered advice to her successor: “Sit back and be in awe of what these kids can do. I hope future STUCO members continue to build their skills and confidence. It has been a privilege to watch and see the accomplishments of so many of the former STUCO kids. I love to be able to say I knew them when.”

Reflecting on her time at Windsor, Marty’s gratitude shines through. “I have loved my time here at Windsor. I have made friends for a lifetime, where we have watched each other’s major milestones from marriages, births, deaths, watching each other’s kids grow up, and building a culture of appreciation,” she said. “I treasure the fact that I have seen over 3,000 kids come through my door since I have been at Windsor. My only hope is that if one of them hears my name, they smile.”

JoAnn Marty’s retirement marks the end of an era at Windsor High School, but her influence will endure in the lives of the students and colleagues she has touched. From her classroom to the STUCO stage, she has left an enduring legacy of leadership, passion, and community.

While she looks forward to spending time with her four grandchildren and exploring new adventures, Marty plans to remain connected to Windsor. “I plan to come to the Homecoming parade and other events. You will still see me in the grocery store and at Target, but I haven’t quite decided where I will find my next adventure,” she said with a smile.