After 25 years at Windsor, teacher Michelle Dalaviras will be retiring at the end of the school year. Dalaviras has had a tremendous impact on Windsor through her work in activities such as the Thespian Society, Drama club and much more. Here is a Q&A with Dalaviras as she approaches the final months of her career.  

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

My mom said I was always lining up dolls and teaching school, but I think the person who inspired me the most was my English/Speech/Drama teacher in high school, JoAnn Thurman.  She gave me a place to belong, confidence and self esteem that I didn’t have and encouraged me to go to college.  She and I stayed very close. She was even at my wedding.  She passed away in 2017 from cancer and I really miss her.

What has been your favorite part of being a teacher?

Seeing kids have that “AHA” moment whether in class, on stage or in their life. I am lucky to see kids go from being a 6th grader to a senior and see all the growth they have made.

What has been the most memorable or special moment of your career?

Most memorable is probably 9-11. I was teaching at the middle school when they came around and told us what had happened but I think you want something more positive.  I have great memories from when I did middle school cheerleading, every play, every speech meet, every thespian activity; etc.  I truly enjoyed doing the activities with the kids where I got to see them shine.  I smile every time I get a text or email from a past student showing me that they are at the Fox, Muny or any theatre seeing a show and say things like I wouldn’t be doing this if you hadn’t brought us in high school or had me in a show. I have loved seeing students grow into adults with families.  I have students who are now teachers, nurses, theatre jobs, real estate etc.  It’s nice to think that I may have had a tiny bit of something to do with their growth.

How do you think teaching has changed over the years?

Kids today are very different than when I started teaching.  Technology has made a huge impact on society and learning. Covid stepped that up a notch and kids don’t seem to have the drive they once had about school and activities.  Kids are still kids. Every generation will have its issues and as teachers we have to learn how to work with that so all kids no matter what their ability, interest or home life is like have the opportunity to learn.  It’s a tough job, but a rewarding one.  I wouldn’t have chosen to do anything else.

What advice would you give to new teachers?

Be sure to balance your personal/home life with your work life. Give yourself boundaries as to how much you can and can’t do. There needs to be time for you.

Has any student left a special impact on you?

Many students have left a special impact on me. I always tell any kid I have had that once you are one of my kids you will always be one of my kids. I love catching up with them when I see them out or on social media.

What are your plans after retirement?

Well, I am going to take a year to just be the best NANA, Wife and dog mom I can be. My husband and I hope to do more traveling eventually. I want to do some volunteer work and may do something part time later on.  I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that in August I don’t have to start getting my classrooms ready.

What do you think needs to change in education moving forward?

Teachers need more time to work in their classrooms and with their students. The amount of stuff that is thrown at us each year can be burdensome and stressful and takes away from the art of actual teaching.

How would you like your students to remember you?

That they inspired me as much as I inspired them. That they know teaching for me was a work of heart.

What is your biggest achievement as a teacher?

I don’t really know how to answer this but I do hope I implemented some things like Thespian Society, Drama Club, Middle School Drama, speech team etc. that will continue to grow and transform through the years.