ONE PROUD DAUGHTER 💗
It finally happened. I’ll admit I was skeptical. Like a rite of passage in spring, it was annually tossed around as a possibility but then put off and postponed another 12 months with fresh determination. So I wasn’t actually sure she’d go through with it. But as it turns out, 2024 will always serve as a major milestone for our family.
Mom has officially retired from teaching after 42 years in the classroom. She taught every level and layer of junior high and high school math that ever existed, including AP Calculus and other college prep courses. She worked in multiple schools and districts, public and private, in New York, New Hampshire, Ohio and most recently, Texas. Along the way, she served as department chair, designed curricula, integrated new courses and textbooks to meet the needs of her students and mentored other educators. Teaching was never simply a job for Mom; it was her calling and her ministry.
Incredibly, my mother did not go to college to become a teacher. Her degrees were in Geology. She worked on dam projects for years before and after my brother and I came along. In Savannah, Georgia, she was recognized for outstanding service by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for her leadership and direction at the Richard B. Russell Dam site. She loves rocks! And yet she changed career paths when we were little. Mom decided she wanted us to receive a faith-based Christian education. As a single mom with two kiddos, tuition at those schools didn’t fit the budget so she came up with a new plan. She started teaching.
Mom was MY math teacher in high school. And I’ll be honest, I didn’t always dig the idea. We clashed a few times, especially when it seemed like she was harder on me than anyone else. True story: Mom gave me seven of my eight detentions in high school…all for talking during class! We love to share that memory with people.😂 Looking back now, I am grateful for those years in her classroom. As a teacher, she was organized, practical, fair, accessible, empathetic, committed and funny. Her approach to teaching was both calculated (of course) and creative. She would do just about anything to help a student grasp the concepts, including extra help outside of school and opportunities to make up homework or exams that weren’t completed correctly the first time.
Even more than her fondness for equations, Mom always demonstrated warmth and devotion toward her students. She went the extra mile to answer their questions, find unique ways to explain theories, encourage them to use critical thinking and adapt to their various needs. When I observed her classes, I was always amazed by how she connected with teenagers. They LOVED her! I’m pretty sure it’s because she was honest and open, a straight shooter. She outlined her expectations, set boundaries, treated them with respect and didn’t put up with their nonsense, ha.
Mom always taught me to show up. To show people you care, you show up! Over the years, I watched her support her kids in their other endeavors: basketball, volleyball and baseball games, pep rallies, fundraisers, awards ceremonies, graduations and every kind of special event. She prayed for them and shared her wisdom and experience and humor. And for those students with whom she had a special connection, she also served as mentor and role model, and eventually, friend.❤️
Periodically, I still hear from former high school classmates who claim Mom as their favorite teacher. OR they understand now that she was tough on them because she recognized their potential and refused to let them settle. She NEVER gave up on a student, not as long as she had the chance to make a difference. Mom is gifted in connecting with people of all ages; but I am most inspired by the relationships she formed with a pair of extremely smart, talented, determined brothers who would rather avoid social situations and group interaction. Mom never treated them differently; she worked hard to communicate with them and encourage their dreams. And her investment and impact in their lives cannot be overstated. Today, they are flourishing, and they value her enough to keep in touch.
When the principal at her high school took away her upper-level math classes, both students and fellow faculty members appealed to him. They explained why they appreciated Mom and needed her. Despite their endorsements and pleas, this principal told Mom her classes were “too hard” and her methods weren’t progressive enough. Instead of seeing her unique worth through the eyes of the students, he wants “culturally aware” educators who agree to give very little homework (if any) and make class as easy as possible. Then parents won’t complain and take their students and tuition dollars elsewhere. One day, I hope he acknowledges his mistake.
Mom had been contemplating retirement for the last 5 years. This was ultimately her decision, though I believe she deserved better. She attended graduation but packed up her room with her husband when no one else was around. Like most teachers, she didn’t exit to fanfare; and while she would never seek the attention, she is worthy of recognition for her decades of dedication. My tribute may be limited, but I’m writing with a heart full of admiration, pride and love. She is my amazing momma and one of the best teachers on the planet!
Mom, I could take another dozen paragraphs to share stories about your impact in the classroom. I could list all the talents, skills and abilities that made you perfect for teaching. But the highest praise I can give is that I want to teach just like you. Both firm and kind, disciplined and compassionate–you were always professional with a personal touch. Whether it’s my 4th and 5th graders on Sundays or my broadcasting students at Syracuse, I strive to follow your example. And I know this makes you laugh since I used to reject any thought of teaching. Now look at me! I love you, Mom, and I couldn’t be prouder of you.
On behalf of countless students and teachers and administrators over the last 42 years, THANK YOU for your diligence and zeal and tireless service! Congratulations on your remarkable career.❤️
Play by Play Day by Day with Amy Lawrence 
May 24, 2024 at 8:47 am
What a lovely tribute to your Mom! Every teacher should read this for steps to improve their teaching! Best wishes on your retirement! Don’t retire, rewire!
May 24, 2024 at 6:47 pm
OK, one more time you brought tears to my eyes…1) it is beautifully written and who wouldn’t be moved by your love and admiration?! 2) both of my parents were both life-long educators. When my mother passed away 9 years ago we received so many thoughtful notes from former students and colleagues expressing their appreciation for her in their lives. My father passed away just a few months ago, and we have again been overwhelmed by the notes from former students (many of whom stayed in contact with him through the years til his passing) and teachers who expressed their gratitude for his support, guidance, and friendship. Good ( and sadly, bad) teachers leave ripples that never stop echoing and in fact become deeper throughout the years. Thank you for sharing so eloquently your mother’s story as one of those whose impact will last in ways and for generations she will never see. That is what a truly great legacy is.❤️❤️🥰🥰
May 28, 2024 at 7:06 pm
How blessed are you! What a beautiful tribute to a dedicated educator.
May 28, 2024 at 9:00 pm
A wonderful tribute to your Mom. I could feel the love and admiration in every word. Your relationship with her seems so genuine and special. Wishing her a long, wonderful and happy retirement.
May 28, 2024 at 9:01 pm
I wish I could have been one of your students. Your impact in students’ lives is immeasurable. Such a gift you have been to your children and all the children whose lives you touched. To say that things have changed puts it mildly. Homework, discipline, and accountability are among the things no longer valued. It can be seen also with the lack of respect. Sorry you had to see this enter the picture. Thanks for all you great work and dedication. Well deserved time now for you and your family. Congratulations on all of your accomplishments.
May 28, 2024 at 10:22 pm
Thank you for sharing and making me smile!
Congratulations to your Momma!
She earned all the praise and some!
It is obvious that she is a great teacher. We see it in you.
Lots of love and well wishes!
May 29, 2024 at 12:40 am
Thank you for sharing some of your mother’s life with us, Amy. She certainly inspired you and so many students and will be remembered by many. As a retired teacher from your mother’s generation, I wish there were more teachers like your mother today. I hope she and her husband enjoy her retired years.
May 29, 2024 at 6:23 am
I love this post SO MUCH! My Mom never worked outside the home – she is 92 now and despite my dad’s passing in 2017, she remains in her home (she promised my dad she would stay as long as possible) and we are all so proud of her for living on her own. God bless your Mom – teachers shape the world, I truly believe that. My oldest sister just retired from her teaching position as well, your mom deserves all the praise !!!!
May 29, 2024 at 7:19 am
That’s awesome Amy!!! I am sure you are proud of your mom! I wish mine was still here! Enjoy her as long as you can!
May 29, 2024 at 7:49 am
What a wonderful tribute to a remarkable woman, teacher and mother! You are a terrific writer, Amy, and you captured her story perfectly.
She deserves many years of retirement with her husband.
May 29, 2024 at 8:46 am
This is Julia Coursen, one of Mrs. Mooney’s students from VCS. I was never good at math, but Mrs. Mooney was always patient and kind with me and never hesitated to work through problems with me one-on-one. More importantly than math, Mrs. Mooney taught me to work hard and try my best always. Those lessons have served me well! I now have 2 bachelors degrees and am wrapping up an MBA. Please tell her I am grateful for all the kindness she poured into my life all those years ago!
May 29, 2024 at 3:56 pm
What a lovely tribute for you mom! I am sure there are students all over the country who benefited from her teaching and maybe even continued on with it as teachers themselves. I hope that is true.
May they enjoy many years of joy.
May 30, 2024 at 8:21 am
Amy what a splendid tribute. As a former teacher who eventually went into law I shutter thinking about teaching today. The fact that the students understood more than the administrator what constitutes good teaching is the highest compliment your mom could receive. Kudos to her for a job well done!
May 30, 2024 at 10:33 am
awesome testament to your mom, Amy! I am sure she might tell you “ I was just doing my job” but we all know it was from her heart.
May 30, 2024 at 9:05 pm
This is such a beautiful tribute! Your mom taught me at VCS, and words simply cannot express how much I loved her as a teacher and mentor. She pushed me so hard and never let me be less that what she thought I could be. I’ll never forget her telling us that we had to use the geometry books from 1980 because the new books the school had bought were just too easy and gave you all the answers! She taught me AP Calculus, and the look on her face and the embrace she gave when she found out that my friend and I got 4s on the exam made me feel like we were her children, not just students. Some of my fondest memories took place in her class and I’m so grateful that I got to have her as a teacher and friend for 6 years. So happy to hear that she can now enjoy her retirement! Please let her know that Kayla Sloan says hello, I miss her, and I actually became an architect!
June 2, 2024 at 2:09 pm
YOUR MOTHER DESERVED BETTER AMY AND THIS IS WHY THERE IS A SHORTAGE OF GREAT TEACHERS ACROSS AMERICA. as a student in LD classes thru school i could have use a math teacher like your mother to motivate me. mom thank you for your dedication to the teaching world and enjoy your life in retirement
June 18, 2024 at 8:36 am
Please tell your mom congratulations on a job very well done! I met her when they were in Kansas, and watched her jump in and help a student at church who needed extra help in math. She is truly an amazing person, fabulous teacher, and spreads joy everywhere she goes. She was here for a short time but made a true impact on me. Congratulations on a lifetime of amazing service! Now it’s time to put her feet up and get ready to start her new adventure.