Still learning after 40 years of teaching

In 1979 Molly Ring walked into a one room school in Lincoln, Neb. to begin her career as a Lutheran elementary school teacher.  Forty years later she is still educating children and herself as she continues to serve at St. John’s Lutheran School in Lake City.  On Sunday, Aug. 4, the congregation at St. John’s will recognize Molly’s 40 years as a Christian educator.  
St. Mark’s of Lincoln, Neb. had just opened their school the prior year, and when Molly arrived, she was to teach all the students in all the grades.  That first classroom at St. Mark’s included students in grades 1, 2, 3 and 6.
Miss Ring, as hundreds of students have come to know her, came to St. John’s school in Lake City in the fall of 1985.  Over the years, she has taught students in grades 2-6 and coached girls basketball.  Each year her classroom has included at least two grade levels.
In Molly’s opinion, the most significant changes have been in resources, not students.
“Children are children, they want to learn. They are excited to learn about the Word of God.  A teacher used to have to create all of their own decorations and pages for the children. Today the internet makes anything a teacher wants available. Sometimes the resources are free and often they are not free.”
Because she believes a teacher should never stop learning, Molly has taken continuing education classes and workshops throughout her career.  Her interest in technology led her to pursue that avenue in her master’s program. When St. John’s students go to another room for specialized learning, they receive up-to-date, relevant technology instruction in Miss Ring’s classroom.  She is currently nearing completion of her master’s of education in technology from Martin Luther College, her alma mater.
Miss Ring considers the privilege of teaching to be an “overwhelming gift” and tries to start each year with courage and excitement.  She describes herself as being in awe as each school year begins, because the combination of students, staff and the general feel has changed. Molly’s hobbies include quilting, photography and traveling to visit family.
The special service begins at 9 a.m. on Sunday.  A potluck brunch and celebration will follow in the fellowship hall at 10:30 a.m.   St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at 520 West Chestnut Street in Lake City.