In 1964, Shirley Fenderson signed her first teaching contract with the Prescott Unified School District - and she continued signing them for the next 45 years.
Fenderson spent her entire career teaching kindergarten at PUSD. She retired at the end of the 2008-09 school year.
"I loved teaching kindergarten. It is tough to leave, but it is time for a new chapter in my life," Fenderson said.
She spent the first 15 years of her career at Lincoln Elementary School and then one semester at Washington Elementary before moving to and staying at Miller Valley Elementary.
Fenderson said the district was interested in hiring husband-and-wife teachers when they began their careers at PUSD. Her husband, Les, taught at Prescott High for 44 years.
In 1968, Fenderson was the "first teacher in Prescott to get maternity leave. I got two weeks," she said.
During her first year, Fenderson taught 37 students in the morning and 38 students in the afternoon.
At that time, administrators told Fenderson to have her students "ready for the first grade and to keep them quiet. During my first lunch duty, you could have heard a pin drop, it was so quiet."
Today, she said, school officials expect kindergarteners to learn how to read, begin to add and subtract, and write pieces that include a title, a beginning, a middle and an end. At the same time, they are learning how to get along, listen and take turns, she noted.
Fenderson said she thinks kindergartners "need to play more. Learning to read and do arithmetic is wonderful for kids who are ready, but what if they are not?"
Fenderson piloted the first full-day kindergarten at PUSD.
"I was excited, but after the first month, it was like having 30 of your own kids. You really had to schedule the day," she said.
"Teaching, if you love it, is the greatest thing in the world. You know when you go home at night you have given someone a gift. There is a joy when you first see the glint in a student's eye when they start to understand what you are teaching them. I feel blessed. I received more than I gave," Fenderson said.
After 45 years in the classroom, Fenderson has taught the children of some of her former students. In fact, she has even taught a grandchild or two.
Miller Valley Principal Jeff Lane worked with Fenderson the past two years,
"Many past students come to school and say they want their children to be in Mrs. Fenderson's class. She is very well-respected in the community for her caring of children," Lane said.
He said it would be hard to find someone with Fenderson's experience and knowledge.
Fenderson said, "It has been wonderful and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm not saying there weren't hard times, but now that I am retired, when I look back, it was not a bad way to spend a life."
Retirement for Fenderson includes spending more time with her grandchildren. She also loves photography, and she and Les plan to travel.
"I was blessed to be able to do this. It was never drudgery. God was good to me and mine," Fenderson said.
Posted: Saturday, July 11, 2009
Article comment by:
Genny
Congratulations Mrs Fenderson. I do believe you touched my life and left me memories in Kindergarten for you were my teacher way back in 1972 Lincoln School! Ive never forgotten you! May you have a retirement that is blessed and all that you hope it to be, God Bless you dearly!
Posted: Friday, July 10, 2009
Article comment by:
Christy
Congratulations to an amazing teacher! Both my daughters were in your class at Miller Valley, and they still talk about you being their favorite. They are in 6th and 10th grade now. You have such a kind, generous and understanding spirit that put my girls at ease in a time when they were put into a whole new world - school! Whoever replaces you better be ready - they have some BIG shoes to fill. We love you and wish you many blessings in your retirement!
Posted: Friday, July 10, 2009
Article comment by:
chris manuel
to fellow teacher.... thank you! who ever you are.
Posted: Thursday, July 09, 2009
Article comment by:
Jaime Prahl
I'm sad to hear Mrs. Fenderson is retiring, she taught my son Lukas this year. He absolutely loved her. I think she is a wonderful teacher and I always felt like she was so attuned to her students. You can tell she really does care about them! I'm thankful his kindergarden year was like that. Thanks you Mrs. Fenderson! You have made a difference!
Posted: Thursday, July 09, 2009
Article comment by:
Tami Jones
My first day of kindergarten, I was introduced to "The Little Old Lady in the Shoe." I believe I was also in your 1983 or 1984 class. Thank you, Mrs. Fenderson, for making the foundation of my education a memorable and touching one. You are truly a class act and an inspiration to all lives you have touched. Congratulations on your retirement, you will be greatly missed.
Posted: Thursday, July 09, 2009
Article comment by:
Molly
Mrs. Fenderson was my kindergarten teacher in 1966-67 at Lincoln School. I remember her as so kind and loving. Thank you, Mrs. Fenderson for giving me such a wonderful "first impression" of what my school years would be like. Good luck in your retirement and enjoy those grandchildren! God Bless.
Posted: Thursday, July 09, 2009
Article comment by:
Jennifer
It's sad to see such a good teacher go. I'm sure there are many people whose lives were touched by her. I hope that her and her husband have a wonderful retirement together, Lord knows they deserve it.
Posted: Thursday, July 09, 2009
Article comment by:
Grateful for Wise Teachers
Fenderson said she thinks kindergartners "need to play more. Learning to read and do arithmetic is wonderful for kids who are ready, but what if they are not?" -- PUSD was very lucky to have you, Mrs. Henderson. Thank you for your service to this community!
Posted: Thursday, July 09, 2009
Article comment by:
A fellow teacher
I know Chris...That's high praise coming from him...He's a great guy...You must have been a great teacher...Nice work!
Posted: Thursday, July 09, 2009
Article comment by:
Andrew S. Newton, M.D.
What a great career. 45 years in one district! How many people's educations did she start off? It's amazing just to think about that number. I wish you and Les a great many years to come. Thanks for teaching in PUSD Shirley. (You taught my daugher Emily in 1994.)
Posted: Thursday, July 09, 2009
Article comment by:
Jennifer (Flores) Manuel
Congratulations Mrs. Fenderson! I was in your kindergarten class at Miller Valley School in 1984-1985. Your dedication to teaching and to the PUSD is truly inspirational. You were always such a kind and nurturing presence in the classroom. I hope you enjoy your retirement!
