A well known Normal West teacher, Darren Hess, has reached his career finish line at Normal West. After teaching 23 years, he will be heading into retirement.
Retirement for teachers is not just a time to reflect on years of hard work and dedication; it’s also a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions they’ve made to the shaping of young minds.
Hess had created multiple relationships with students in the halls along with his classes he teaches which is US history, world history, and civics.
He is known for being an energetic and fun teacher who continues to create kids’ smile throughout the day.
Not only do the students have a good relationship with Hess but the students are Hess’s biggest motivation.
“If I can just get one person to laugh at my jokes, and to just try and make social studies fun…students energize me,” Hess stated.
Hess has particularly enjoyed the positive school culture West has as he feels that it motivates both teachers and students, as it fosters a sense of belonging and community.
“I’ll obviously miss the people I work with and the students. I’ll miss the culture that West brings. It’s much a family atmosphere so those are the big things for me,” Hess said.
Hess has many memorable moments from his 23 years of teaching; one of his favorites is when “getting evaluated by the principal during my second year of teaching, Tom Eder was in my room, and my department head, Mrs. Freeman, rolled a bowling ball into my room. So that was just entertaining, because I’m trying to impress him and then trying to deal with a bowling ball being rolled into my room,” Hess explained.
“Just being head football coach was kind of a dream come true for 15 years and just my students and relationships built over the years is very memorable for me,” Hess added.
Hess wants to mostly be remembered as a good teacher who brings joy to people’s lives.
“Whether it be through my jokes or how I set up class, or even like, bringing donuts in on Fridays, or that kind of thing, I hope they remember me as someone who cares about them in school,” Hess stated.
23 years is a long time, seeing many faces go through West. He hopes through the school community he is remembered by “being a culture person, someone that you know through my actions, truly loves West and what it represents,” Hess added.
Hess hopes for new teachers entering the profession to focus more on the relationships and the teaching will just come naturally. He notes that they should be one to embrace the culture of school and give more of a purpose by not just making sure you’re available for fellow teachers but giving your time to students as well.
Although Hess will be done teaching at Normal West, he will continue coaching football. He will also beginning a new chapter in education at Bloomington Central Catholic High School next year.
The decision for his first few years of retirement was not easy, but it has a purpose.
“I did it for a couple things: my wife still has three years before she can retire, and still feel I have some gas in the tank,” Hess said.
Although Hess will still be coaching football at Normal West, an educator, his time, commitment, and dad jokes will be missed.
