At the end of this school year, two Britton-Hecla educators retired. Gretchen Christenson and Myra Stavick both shared thoughts on their long-spanning careers.
Gretchen Christenson
After an illustrious career spanning 28 years, Christenson bids farewell to Britton-Hecla School, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and excellence in education.
Christenson, who spent 26 years of her teaching journey in Britton, embarked on her path to education after a suggestion from her college trigonometry teacher redirected her from a human resources major. Her journey in education led her through Aberdeen Central/Simmons, Veblen, and finally to Britton High School, where she transitioned to Britton-Hecla.
Throughout her tenure, Christenson wore many hats, teaching a diverse range of subjects from various math classes to language arts, speech, creative writing, drama, and global studies. Describing herself as a “utility player,” she also coached oral interpretation, directed junior class plays, and served as the BHHS Mathcounts coach.
Reflecting on the challenges of her career, Christenson emphasized the constant adaptation required to accommodate students with diverse learning styles and backgrounds while nurturing their social and emotional skills. She highlighted the exhaustive nature of teaching, underscoring the myriad decisions teachers make daily to ensure students’ success.
“It’s hard to explain how it is when a high volume of students goes in and out of your room for several different classes, seven periods of the day,” she said. “The logistics of everything clicking perfectly all day just doesn’t happen all that often. But it sure was fun when it did!”
One of the most significant changes Christenson witnessed during her career was the integration of technology into education. From the initial wiring of schools by Governor Janklow to the one-to-one computer initiatives and virtual learning experiences, she witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of technology on teaching and learning.
Christenson strove to impart the notion that math can be enjoyable and effective communication is crucial for success in both school and life. Among her fondest memories are the road trips for oral interp and Mathcounts, where she formed deep connections with her students. She also cherished the camaraderie among staff members and the lighthearted moments shared over the years.
As Christenson bids adieu to her teaching career, she leaves behind a profound impact on her students and colleagues. Her advice to students echoes her lifelong commitment to excellence and citizenship: “Do your best and be a good citizen.”
In retirement, Christenson looks forward to the freedom of visiting family and traveling without the burden of lesson planning and correcting papers in the car. “My flowers and a lot of good books are waiting for me as well,” Christenson concluded.
Myra Stavick
Myra Stavick, a kindergarten teacher at Britton-Hecla School District, is retiring after a 20-year career in education.
A Montana native, Stavick’s path to teaching was unconventional. “When I was fresh out of high school, I wanted to be a photojournalist, but my father discouraged me from going to Missoula for journalism as it was known as a party town,” she recalled. Instead, she stayed home and majored in television production, quickly realizing it wasn’t her calling. After working various secretarial jobs, including at a stock brokerage firm in Seattle and a local bank, she went back to school for accounting, but did not find that path appealing either.
She eventually found her passion in teaching. Amusingly, she was partly inspired by a Cosmo magazine article. “I had read that a woman my age had a greater chance of being hit by airplane parts falling from the sky than getting married and having children,” she explains. “I did like kids so I made a major switch in my plans and became a teacher.” And contrary to the article’s prediction, Stavick did get married and even taught her own children in kindergarten.
Her first teaching job was in a one-room schoolhouse in Maiden Canyon, Montana, where she taught multiple grades. After the school closed when the only family moved away, she became a substitute teacher. Initially hesitant about kindergarten, Stavick’s perspective changed after observing a class. “I think God knew there was a different plan because the principal called to have me observe kindergarten so I could sub later that week and I survived the experience,” she said.
After moving to Veblen, S.D., with her husband, Stavick found a permanent position teaching kindergarten, where she stayed for 17 years.
Reflecting on her career, Stavick noted, “The hardest part of being a teacher is saying goodbye in the spring to one class to make way for the new class you will have in the fall.” Despite the challenges, she found joy in watching her students grow into independent thinkers and readers. Stavick hopes her students have learned the importance of personal responsibility, owning their mistakes, and being kind.
Her career is filled with memorable moments, from catching frogs with students to finding baby rattlesnakes in a shoebox from a child’s animal rescue. “If I were to encourage students to do one thing to enhance their education, it would be to try new things. The world is a big place, and it changes every day,” she advised.
Now, Stavick believes it’s time for a change, stating, “Sometimes the universe just speaks to you and lets you know it’s time.”
In retirement, Stavick plans to take her own advice by exploring new hobbies like quilting and assisting her husband with the financial aspects of running their ranch.
