Emerson teacher honored for 39 years of service
PARKERSBURG - Retiring teacher Denise Lindamood was honored Tuesday for her 39 years of service at Emerson Elementary School.
Hired in 1981, Lindamood has taught first, second and fifth grade classes at Emerson for her entire career, even spending 35 of those 39 years in the same classroom.
School and Wood County Schools officials recognized Lindamood for her years of dedication, including presenting a letter and certificate from West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice praising her service.
Lindamood said retirement was a difficult decision, but it was the right time for her to make the move.
“I was blessed with 39 wonderful years of working with these wonderful teachers,” she said. “I’ve watched a lot of teachers come and go, but we’ve always had really good administrators, a really good staff, and I appreciate it. I appreciate this.”
Lindamood describes herself as an “old school” teacher, preferring hands on instruction whenever possible.
“I want face-to-face with my children. I feel like that’s how I’m the best teacher,” she said. “That’s what I want. I want to be able to give them a hug.”
Lindamood said she has seen generations of students come through the halls of Emerson, including now-Parkersburg High School Principal Kenny DeMoss.
“I had him as a fifth-grader,” she said. “It’s amazing. I have had many second generations. I’ve had many children of students in my classes.”
Though retiring from active teaching, Lindamood will still be at Emerson Elementary when possible as an in-person substitute teacher.
“They can’t get rid of me,” she said.