A schoolteacher has retired after spending 39 years working in education, including more than two decades at a Bedford school.
Sharon Carter said goodbye to pupils, families and colleagues and hung up her “blue paper towel” at Brickhill Primary School this week, having taught there for 24 years.
During her career, Mrs Carter focused on spreading a love of reading and art among the children she taught; she was also very fond of doodling.
To celebrate her time at the school, staff and pupils transformed an art corridor into a dedicated exhibition of doodles.
Every child and staff member contributed to the artwork, and retired former colleagues returned to doodle on one of the doors.
Mrs Carter added the final piece to the installation, drawing a heart and placing it into the display during the official reveal.
Will be missed
A parent who had two children taught by Mrs Carter at different points shared her gratitude for the care her family received.
“Thank you, Mrs Carter, for looking after both my kids, part of our family, and many other stories,” they said.
The school community said Mrs Carter will be missed by families and staff alike as she enters retirement.
The headteacher of the school praised her long-standing commitment and dedication to her pupils.
Headteacher Dan Wiltshire shared, “Mrs Carter has shown us what it means to be a caring and effective teacher.
“Even to the last days of her career, she was still giving the role her all, and we know we will never truly be able to replace someone so special.”
