MARTHA MARAKOVITS SAWARYNSKI

As far back as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to become a teacher.  I was an only child and longed for a sibling, but my father died at a young age.  Luckily, I had two female cousins who lived next door, and many of my relatives lived on the same block in Northampton. Years ago, many ethnicities also co-existed and I always felt safe and protected.

My early elementary years were not too enjoyable, as my early primary teachers were extremely strict and unyielding.  Finally, in fifth grade, Mrs. Connie Jones became my teacher.  She smiled, made learning enjoyable, and actually explained the lessons in an understandable manner!  This was probably my turning point in my career choice.

After graduating high school in June, 1964, I eagerly awaited beginning college that September.  I worked at a local manufacturing company in the summer to help with tuition, etc.  It was difficult for my mother financially, and I depended on my late father’s social security benefits in order to attend East Stroudsburg University.  I was the first in my family to attend college, and my mother was adamant about me attending college because she quit high school at sixteen in order to help her mother in a tavern she owned.  We lived with my grandmother, and she too was so pleased I was able to attend college.  Unfortunately, six weeks before I graduated, my grandmother died suddenly.

In 1968 after graduating from E.S.U., I began graduate work there also. I got my first teaching position as a second grade teacher in the Parkland School District.  I absolutely loved my job, and in my second year of teaching I met the love of my life, Robert, a high school teacher in Northampton School District.  We married in June, 1970, and in December of 1971 we welcomed our first born, Maria.  I had to quit teaching as there was no maternity leave, and my 33 graduate credits were put “on hold.”  Our son, Matthew, arrived in August, 1973 followed by Christina in June, 1976 and Paul in September, 1978.  I remained a full-time mother with them and none of them attended nursery school because it would have been a financial burden.  I stayed home with them until Paul turned four, and started substituting in Northampton.  In the spring of 1986, the borough elementary principal called and offered me a full-time kindergarten position, and I held that position for twenty years and also earned my master’s equivalency.

After having a hip replaced in 2000 and a knee replaced three years later, I knew it was time to leave this job I so loved.  Computers were now in all of the classrooms and emailing parents was commonplace.  I had a few autistic students, students of same-sex marriages, and many more students from single family homes – quite a difference from my first teaching years!  I retired in June, 2007.

I’ve seen my four children all graduate from college, marry, and have children of their own.  I have eleven grandchildren, nine boys and two girls, none of whom as yet show an interest in becoming teachers.  Our eldest grandson will receive his Master’s Degree from Arizona State University in May, and our youngest grandson is in second grade.

Since retiring, I’ve had another knee replaced and a broken wrist repaired.  Osteoarthritis has taken its toll.  Robert is now a deacon in our church and we’re active in the church community.  I love to do crossword puzzles, read, sew, baby sit, bake, cook, and attend my grandchildren’s sports and musical activities, and the days in retirement really fly by!

Robert and I moved into a retirement home in April, 2015, and enjoy our family get-togethers.  Unfortunately, Maria and her husband and four sons reside in Arizona, so we don’t get to see them frequently.  Our other children and their families reside locally.  How blessed we are!