BOZEMAN – A longtime preschool teacher in the Bozeman community is retiring.
Soon, Jean Hannula is closing the 23-year long chapter of her life. She is a lead teacher at the Child Development Center (CDC) on the Montana State University campus who has taught generations of children. She has been a key element to the staff for quite some time.
Mandy St. Aubyn, a mother of children who attend the CDC said, “she’s just been amazing and sort of really built this program into what it is.”
Not only has Hannula taught many children over the years, but has also shared her wisdom with those she works with.
"I think she’s done a great job mentoring this next generation of teachers that are here and then also all over the place. Student teachers that have been here have gone out into the world with Jean’s skills which is amazing too,” St. Aubyn said.
And as Hannula’s time at CDC comes to an end in late August, she still plans to stay here in the Bozeman community after retirement.
“The first two weeks I’m just going to kind of read books and go hiking and biking and then possibly substitute in different places around town. Just still be in touch with children in some capacity,” she said.
It’s not easy for Hannula to leave the day-to-day interaction with children.
“Very bittersweet. I’m excited about the new adventure but I have received so much here, so much love and attention from the children and I have learned so much from the children. It’s bittersweet but it’s time,” said Hannula.
St. Aubyn said, “she will be missed and dropping off in the morning might be a little harder sometimes.”
As she will be missed by many, it’s something unique that she’ll truly miss.
"The joy that the children experience when they find out something new or when they discover something. I think the joy on their faces is what I’m going to miss the most,” Hannula said.
The staff at the CDC says it will be difficult to replace Hannula, but they are looking forward to her still being a part of the community.
