OCEANSIDE: Teacher retires after 41 years at Jefferson

By STACY BRANDT - Staff Writer | Sunday, June 15, 2008 4:11 PM PDT ∞

Vangie Sharpe is retiring from Jefferson Middle School on Friday after 41 years as a teacher there. (Photo by Don Boomer - Staff Photographer)

OCEANSIDE ---- What started as a lark to win a $100 bet ended up becoming a 41-year job for Jefferson Middle School teacher Vangie Sharpe.

Sharpe retired Friday after teaching history at the campus for four decades.

As the years passed and the world outside and inside the classroom changed, Sharpe taught hundreds of students, including some who were children of former students.

Sharpe also saw herself grow up, she said.

"I got married, had a daughter, got divorced and beat cancer ---- all at Jefferson," said Sharpe, who coyly declined to give her age.

She came to the school in 1967, after her college roommate bet her $100 that she couldn't find a job during a break before returning to school.

She got the job and the money.

"I had no idea where Oceanside was, but I wanted $100," Sharpe said.

She said she originally wanted to become a lawyer, but quickly learned to love her new profession.

The biggest reward, she said, has been when she sees former students become successful ---- especially when they come back to visit.

Her parents, who immigrated from Greece when she was a child, strongly valued education, Sharpe said.

Though she never planned to become a teacher, Sharpe's dad pushed her to get a teaching credential along with her history degree, because he thought she'd make a good educator.

According to some of her students and co-workers, he was right.

Jeremiah McNerney, an eighth-grader in Sharpe's class this year, said she was tough but fair.

"She gives out a lot of homework, but she's a good teacher," he said.

Sharpe admitted that she tends to be strict, but added that her there are only two rules in her classroom: Treat others the way you want to be treated, and absolutely no gum.

Part of her goal as a history teacher has been to teach students to understand this country's past and to encourage patriotism, she said.

Blair Daniels, who will be the school's eighth-grade history teacher next year, said Sharpe has been successful.

"I think Vangie has instilled ---- not only in the students, but in the staff as well ---- a sense of patriotism and pride in our country," she said.

Sharpe said she has enjoyed her time at Jefferson and never seriously considered teaching anywhere else.

Still, as the world of education rapidly changed ---- fueled in large part by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 ---- Sharpe said it was the right time to retire.

She said she doesn't think the federal legislation has been good for teachers or students, adding that it puts a disproportionate focus on reading and math to the detriment of other subjects.

"I'm old-school," she said about her teaching style.

Now that she's done working, Sharpe said she hopes to travel, including visiting family in Greece. She said she also plans to volunteer with children who have cancer.

Jim Hinderliter, a special education teacher at Jefferson, said Sharpe's co-workers will remember her unfaltering dedication to students.

"She always has the best interests of the kids in mind," he said. "She definitely will be missed."

Contact staff writer Stacy Brandt at (760) 901-4009 or sbrandt@nctimes.com.

Next Previous

More Stories

Tags: Top NCT News Local Oceanside

Bookmark and Share

Ads by Yahoo!

Advertisement

Pre-Registration Comments[-]Go to Top

Lou wrote on Jun 15, 2008 8:24 PM:I won't ask how you put up with those middle school kids. You deserve a medal. I used to drive a city bus and they were holy terrors. I did not have a principal or responsible party backing me up.

Daren wrote on Jun 15, 2008 8:58 PM:She taught me during my 8th grade year in 1988. She made me work harder than I ever had before and I still remember some of the things she taught us. That's the best thing any former student can say about their teacher.

Sleeper wrote on Jun 16, 2008 7:47 AM:Awww, She is so cool and by far the toughest teacher at Jeffersion she taught me back in the early 90's. I remember if someone was caught sleeping before the bell rang she would motion for all the other kids to quietly get up and tip toe outside and wait by the stairs so when the kid sleeping woke up he's by himself with Ms.Sharpe lol

Good Luck to you Ms. Sharpe!!!

Sleeper wrote on Jun 16, 2008 7:48 AM:Awww, She is so cool and by far the toughest teacher at Jefferson she taught me back in the early 90's. I remember if someone was caught sleeping before the bell rang she would motion for all the other kids to quietly get up and tip toe outside and wait by the stairs so when the kid sleeping woke up he's by himself with Ms.Sharpe lol

Good Luck to you Ms. Sharpe!!!

Becky wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:45 AM:Wow!Great article. As I read it, something seemed familiar to me about her and then I realized she was my Homeroom teacher in 1970-71. Back then her name was Miss Moulas. Yes, she was one of my hardest teachers (brutal at times) but I benefited from the challenge. I enjoyed her humor and also her insightful ability to recognize a student's need to be recognized for their talents. Once she asked me to create a bulletin board for the classroom and that experience gave me great confidence. That confidence was needed as my world had been turned upside down by my parent's recent divorce. Thank you Miss Moulas/Mrs. Sharpe for your time and experise!

To Sleeper wrote on Jun 16, 2008 11:08 AM:Funny sleeper ~ she was my teacher in 85-86 and I remember her doing the same thing!!!!

Jefferson Middle School co wrote on Jun 16, 2008 11:16 AM:I remember one time I asked her about the school motto that was painted on school building. “When you are a Falcon you are somebody”. I asked how is history going to judge me if I only claim to be a falcon. She replied it’s better then being a weasel and close to the ground to be stepped on. At least as a falcon you can soar above the dangers on the ground.

Good luck Mrs. Sharpe, enjoy YOUR time. You have shaped many of minds to think for themselves, our community, teachers and students thank you.

Rita wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:30 PM:If you can survive Ken Noonan, you'll be all right in retirement.

Jefferson Jr. High Alumni wrote on Jun 18, 2008 3:43 PM:HAHAHAHAHAHAHA In response to "SLEEPER", I completly remember that about kids falling asleep in Mrs. Sharps class....that happened to one of my classmates, and I remember walking out very quietly!! I attened Jefferson Junior High in the early 90's as well, and had Mrs. Sharpe my 8th year, she was tough, but FAIR. As I look back, I know she was tough because she cared. Good Luck to you Mrs. Sharpe!!!!!!

Registered Comments[-]Go to Top

Advertisement

Videos

Advertisement