It was not the first time it happened to Jill Steele. It was, however, one that hit home a little bit different for the Simpson Elementary Principal.

 

“This year, in my pre-K meeting, when I am introducing my teachers to students and parents, I looked out saw four or five of my former students who are parents of kids at the school. That’s been happening more and more,” she said. “This time it really gave me a perspective of the time that has passed and made me feel good on how much it matters that they are trusting me with their children. That they know they will be loved well here.”

 

Those students have been loved by Steele and her all-star staff at Simpson Elementary. For the last eight years, those walking through the doors on the Worthington Avenue facility are, as the school mission states, “loved well.”

 

While the love will likely continue, it will not be Jill Steele leading the charge. The long-time educator who began making an impact in the classroom going back to 1988 will be retiring at the end of the school year.

 

“This was a hard decision to make. It’s always a hard decision to make to say goodbye and hand over something that you built together with your team,” said Steele. “There’s a lot of love in our relationship and a lot of camaraderie with faculty and staff. I honestly believe there is not a better staff out there.

 

“It is tough to walk away, particularly the children, which makes it extremely hard. I have peace about my decision and I have prayed about it, and know it’s a good time,” she continued. “I also know someone else will come along and be great here and lead this team of excellent professionals and do a great job with the children.”

 

Being in a position to retire from education, let alone as one of Harrison County’s principals, did not seem like it was in the script in the 1980s. It was at Faith Christian Academy where she began cutting her educational teeth and then, in 1992 she began subbing on a long-term basis. She also taught in Colorado and returned to her substitute role when coming back to West Virginia in 2003.

 

“I wasn’t going to do more than that, but the Lord led me into full-time teaching,” said Steele.

 

The decision to go full-time came after working a stint at Bridgeport Middle School on long-term sub status. Her first full-time gig was at Mountaineer Middle before she began the first of two stops as an administrator.

 

“My first job as an administrator was an assistant principal at Nutter Fort Intermediary,” said Steele. “That lasted four years before I came to Simpson, which is where everything will come to an end.”    

 

Her being a full-time principal will end. Her time in the classroom will likely continue on the same basis, albeit not as much, as when she started.

 

“I do want to be a substitute teacher and get back in the classroom some,” said Steele. “I also am open to subbing as an administrator. I do enjoy this, it’s just time for the next phase.”

 

The next phase is not happening randomly. Instead, Steele has put more than just casual thought into what being freed up will mean on the personal front.

 

“I have a long list of things; all kinds of things I want to do,” she said. “The big focus will be on family. I’ll be spending more time with my grandchildren, my sisters, and my parents. I’ll have flexibility there that I haven’t had before, and I plan on doing some writing and doing my blog more.”

 

Jill will also spend time with her semi-famous husband and pretty good guy Tom Steele. Together, the two call four kids their children and from that group of kids there are nine grandchildren.

 

“I know I will enjoy time with those kids,” said Steele.

 

Naturally, Steele would enjoy time with kids. It is what she has done since 1988, and what she will know do more frequently on the personal front and dabble in a bit on the professional front as a substitute.

 

“Educators, most of the them, do what they do to nurture young people and watch them grow into good people. That’s our fuel,” she said. “Children know when they’re loved. They know it when you hug them – and there is always hugging – and they give you feedback at school and even after school.”

 

By after school, Steele is talking about after graduation. She is talking about experiences like seeing parents she once taught bringing their own children to the school she captains.

 

“One of my former students, and I remember him when he so much little, is now a Bridgeport Police Officer. I see him in his uniform and in a position of importance and authority now,” said Steele. “Then, he sees me and says hello to me and gives me a big hug. That’s when you know all the time was worth it because moments like that, where you see the productive person in society, are truly satisfying.”

 

Since 1988, Steele has had a hand in thousands of individuals who fit the “productive person” mold. And it is safe to say there will end up being a whole lot more transition to that role after her retirement.

 

While there are still several months to go before she walks away for good, I want to be among the first to thank her for giving so much to our youth and our communities for 30-plus years. I am pretty sure I am not alone in wishing you the best.

 

Editor's Note: As mentioned, the top three photos, including the first one with students Bailey and Joseph McDonald the second with Batman, and the third with students prior to the start of a school day, all get a hug. In the fourth photo, Jill Steele is shown talking with a parent prior to a Bridgeport City Council meeting and she is shown below with her husband Tom.