SAN ANTONIO – After teaching for 52 years, one Northeast Independent School District teacher is hanging up her hat.
Edwyna English is retiring this year, and on Thursday fellow teachers and former students held a party for her at Coker Elementary School.
Fifty of her 52 years have been at NEISD.
"The Lord has blessed me with very good health," said English. "It felt like I had something to offer. I would continue, but I think 50 is enough and it was my goal."
English said her favorite part of teaching was the kids.
"Well, you never know whose lives you're going to touch," English said. "Because some that you didn't have the slightest idea that you did are the ones that come back to you later and tell you that."
In fact, five of her former students were at her retirement party on Thursday.
Two of those students, Jennifer Alslbrooks and Kendall Baird, are now also teachers at Coker Elementary.
"She was always very supportive when I graduated college," said Alslbrooks. "I got a job right here at Coker, and she was the first one to congratulate me."
"She had a pet rabbit, Thumper," said Baird. "She adored Elvis, always made everyone feel very welcome. She inspired my love for reading."
English's last day of teaching is next Thursday, when the Texas flag will fly over the State Capitol in her honor.
English said this has all been an amazing journey.
