Emotional farewell to popular Harleston teacher

If you have been a pupil at Harleston Primary School in the last 20 years, there is a good chance you will have been taught by Marion Adams.

The 60-year-old began working at the school two decades ago after deciding to pursue her ambition to help young people after a long career break to raise her family.

In that time, she has helped many young people with everything from their times tables to learning how to swim.

But after a long and successful career teaching pupils of all ages, Mrs Adams is to say an emotional goodbye to the school – and the job – she loves when she retires at the end of term.

'I had always helped as a mother and I had always been involved in the school,' she said.

'I had always wanted to be a teacher and as I had brought up my children, I thought: 'Now's the right time to do it.''

Mrs Adams started her career as a supply teacher across schools in the county before being offered a permanent, part-time contract at Harleston Primary. Her own children had attended the school.

She eventually moved to working half the week in Harleston while continuing other supply work.

'I wanted to make a difference to children and help nurture them to grow up,' she said.

'It's very rewarding to see them progress as you're teaching them and, years later, when you meet them again and see what they have achieved in life.

'It's very nice to know you have played a very small part in it.'

Mrs Adams said the biggest challenge was engaging young people and helping them develop as well-rounded individuals.

'There is a good feeling when you can engage children and they respond to you and are taking part in school life,' she said.

'It is very rewarding. It's about being interested in them as people and not just in them passing exams.

'In most things you can engage them – you just have to find their interests.'

She said all the children at Harleston Primary had been a 'great delight' to teach.

She said of the school: 'It's excellent, very nurturing and brings the best out in pupils.'

Mrs Adams added that it would be 'very sad to leave' – but that she would still continue to help out in the classroom from time to time.

'I have had a wonderful career which I have thoroughly enjoyed,' she said.

'I would thoroughly recommend teaching, as it is one of the most rewarding careers I can think of. You will always have an interesting time in teaching.'

Pay your tribute to Marion Adams by writing, giving your full contact details, to: Mercury Letters, 26 Mere Street, Diss IP22 4AD or email dma.letters@archant.co.uk