Equus

Cody High School English/drama teacher says goodbye, leaves lasting mark

Friday, May 25, 2012 By Maggie Stanwood

She opens doors and welcomes students into the school during the morning. She has inspired love for both English and theater at Cody High School for 16 years and won the prestigious Arch Coal teaching award. But this year, Mrs. Ann Eckardt will be retiring. “Other than my family, teaching has been what I loved the most,” Eckardt said. One fellow English teacher said Eckardt inspired him to be better. “She’s one of those people who because her bar of expectation is so high, you realize you need to raise your own,” said English teacher Mr. Vin Cappiello. “When you don’t feel like paying attention to detail you look at her and realize you need to be better.” Computer teacher Mr. Scott Shaffer has taught next to Eckardt since 1998 and has observed her many positive qualities. “She is always there happy, ready-to-go and student first,” Shaffer said. “I’m happy for her – that’s a big decision and she’s the type of person who has plans for when she retires. I’m curious to see who I will get next door; maybe I won’t have to worry about playing my music so loud anymore.” Eckardt, who also is national board certified, said there is one thing she will not miss about CHS. “I will not miss my helplessness in the face of my students’ and colleagues’ pain,” Eckardt said. “When I consider what these people deal with in their lives, I’m amazed at their courage.” Cappiello said Eckardt always thinks of others. “She is an incredibly caring individual,” Cappiello said. “She puts others’ happiness before her own.” Not only has Eckardt impacted co-workers, students say she has affected their lives as well. “I was already interested in theater,” senior Bianca Chavez said. “She made me feel as if that’s definitely what I should do. She gave me a leg up on other university students.” Senior Keara White said she feels lucky to have had Eckardt as a teacher. “I appreciate her because she treats us like adults instead of micro-managing everything we do,” White said. “Especially as a senior it’s nice to have a teacher who listens to your opinions and acts on them.” Eckardt also has taught White more than just writing. “She makes sure she teaches us important things about life, not just the information to get to the next text,” White said, “whether it’s not getting credit cards in college or even respecting our peers.” Eckardt said she has some advice for after she retires. “I have had over 2,000 students,” Eckardt said. “In coming years when you walk up to me and say ‘hello, Mrs. Eckardt,’ tell me your name.”