Rockford — What would Annette DuBridge do if she didn’t teach?
It’s not a question she’s ever thought about much, but it’s one she’ll have to confront soon. After more than 40 years in the classroom — 33 of which have been at Rockford — the Crestwood Elementary developmental kindergarten teacher is planning to retire at the end of the school year.
“What will I do next? I can’t imagine,” DuBridge said. “It will be an adjustment — not bad, just a new change.”
Though she has mixed feelings about closing out her career, she knows it’s time, and she wants to wrap it up while she still loves teaching — which she does.
“I love to see things grow, and really that’s what ‘kindergarten’ means in German — a ‘child garden.’ And I think, in early childhood, we plant the seeds for their future learning, and I just really love to do that,” DuBridge said. “To plant those seeds for the love of learning, and watching them grow and learn and develop.”
DuBridge spoke to SNN about what drew her to teaching, and what keeps her coming back, even as she comes to terms with the change that awaits her.
‘In early childhood, we plant the seeds for their future learning, and I just really love to do that.’
— teacher Annette DuBridge
Why do you teach? “I’ve always been around people with special needs. My mom worked in a school for the deaf, and I’ve always had a passion for that. And for early intervention. I think that’s so critical for kids. So that’s really why I started — to give early education to kids.
“I really like being at the beginning of their education. I think I form good bonds with kids and families that can help them have moments of success in their learning. And I just love it, and I keep doing it, and I’m still here.”
What is your biggest motivator that keeps you excited about teaching? “For sure, it’s the kids. Where else can you get 20 hugs when you walk in the door? … But I also must say I’ve worked with some incredible teams. It’s fun to come to work, because we challenge each other; we’re always pushing each other, always sharing ideas. And as much as I love the job, it really helps to love the people you work with. And I’ve been blessed to have that.”
What’s the best thing about teaching developmental kindergarten? “Since this is their first elementary experience, it’s really fun to learn how they learn. Every student learns differently, and to figure out how to take abstract alphabet letters and figure out how to teach them those letters in their learning style.
“With technology today they’re used to short blips that are very entertaining. So for me, it’s so fun and interesting to learn their style and to make it fun, but to also do the curriculum and to keep them engaged.”
What are some of the biggest challenges in your role and how do you strive to meet them? “Jokingly, I would say, getting 21 pairs of snowpants on in the winter,” DuBridge said with a chuckle. “The other part is keeping it fun and engaging for students, because they’re here all day. For 4- and 5-year-olds, that’s a lot. So, to keep them motivated and wanting to come back the next day, excited to learn.”
DuBridge said adaptability and flexibility are key to meeting that challenge. It’s all about figuring out what students are into — whether it’s dinosaurs or deep space — and finding ways to integrate those interests into the curriculum.
What’s the most amazing thing about your students? “Their curiosity, their honesty and their energy. All of those things together just make it so fun and make every day different and new. Because every day, different things happen. And I love that. I also love the movement and the energy and just keeping everything going.”
What would you say to someone considering teaching as a profession? “Be ready to open your heart to children every day, because whether they’re 5 or 18, they need you. They’re with you all day long, and you need to be ready to meet them where they are and to set them up for success. It takes a lot of time, a lot of commitment and a lot of heart.”
What’s something you’ve learned from your students? “Their resiliency. A lot of them have a lot going on in their life, and they still show up and learn and are happy. Just how they face each challenge, ready to learn and ready to work — I wish we all had that.”
Anything else? DuBridge expressed gratitude to the district, her team and the community.
“Who you work with makes such a difference. Learning from each other and brainstorming with each other to help kids. I’m so thankful I’ve always had people who are here for the kids, and that makes a huge difference. Rockford’s been great.”
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