Nine teachers set to retire from Whitefish schools

The number of students each has worked with over the years would be hard to count, but each has had their own influence on education in Whitefish.

A number of educators are retiring from the Whitefish School District at the end of the school year. They are Kathy Akey, Susan Argabright, Nikki Carlson, Kathy Clark, Brenda Moen, Susan Moll, Rita Salisbury, Sharon Shafer and Rita Wolfe.

Kathy Akey has spent 35 years in education and is currently a second grade teacher at Muldown Elementary.

She taught in a two-room school in Armington with grades kindergarten through fourth. In Whitefish she has taught Title I in sixth grade at the middle school,and first grade Title I at Muldown. She has also taught in the regular classroom in first grade.

Akey’s favorite memory is being a first-year teacher and trying to manage a classroom with five grade levels.

“I have always enjoyed being around children and their wonderful fresh perspective on life,” she said. “I will miss the children and being a part of a wonderful group of hard working colleagues.”

In retirement, Akey plans to spend time with her grandchildren, ski, golf, hike and read.

Susan Argabright said it seemed like a natural choice for her to become a teacher and she has now spent 41 years as an educator.

“Both my parents were teachers,” she said. “I was always a good student and liked school.”

She has spent 34 years at Muldown and is currently a second grade teacher. She has also taught first and third grades and fourth grade in Oregon.

“It was so gratifying to watch students’ faces when they finally ‘get it’,” she said. “I also loved it when a group of girls made up a rap for me — it still makes me laugh.”

Argabright said she will miss the students and the camaraderie of her colleagues. She plans to relax, read and do all of the things she didn’t have time for when she was teaching.

Nikki Carlson serves as the middle school counselor and says her favorite part of working with students is watching them grow and mature.

“You really see all kinds of changes — academically, physically and emotionally,” she said. “I will miss the connection with the students and staff. Some of my prior students are now colleagues of mine and those relationships are special.”

Carlson has been in Whitefish 35 years and has 39 years in education.

She began her career in Hamilton and taught high school physical education and accounting. She spent a year in Brady as a K-12 school counselor before coming to Whitefish.

She said she has always liked school. One day in junior high she decided to become a teacher and has “never looked back.”

Carlson and her husband plan to spend the summer and fall in their cabin at Flathead Lake and to go south in the winter.

Kathy Clark began her career in education as a substitute teacher in Whitefish in 1978. She has served 37 years in education with 34 in the Whitefish district.

Clark currently is a Title I teacher, but has also taught first and second grades in Colorado, and fourth and sixth in Whitefish.

She became an educator because influential teachers in her early years left a lasting impression, and now sees that same experience come full circle.

“One of my favorite parts is seeing young students I had in class become teachers, and then I get to end up working with them,” she said. “The people I have worked with leave me with great memories, and I will miss the feeling of teamwork and camaraderie.”

She plans to do some traveling and see more of family during her retirement.

Brenda Moen wanted to be a teacher ever since meeting her first teacher, Miss Hill, in kindergarten.

“She was an inspiration to me, and I have fond memories of my many years in the classroom both as a student and as a teacher,” Moen said.

Moen has taught 35 years, all in Whitefish. She taught sixth grade at the very beginning of her career before moving to fifth grade, where she has stayed ever since. She says fifth grade is the perfect age to teach.

She currently team-teaches with Nanci Nicholson.

“Team-teaching is wonderful because you teach the subjects you are passionate about,” she said.

Moen says she loves to teach writing and many of her students have received honors in writing contests. She tells them “life is in the details” to encourage them to add interesting details to their writing and open their heart to share their own unique perspectives.

“I will miss the many remarkable students it has been my pleasure to get to know for a brief window of their lives,” she said. “I feel fortunate to have been a teacher where high standards are maintained. I will especially miss working with my outstanding volunteer, Ron Ottsen, who faithfully comes in at least two days a week to teach Latin in small groups and helps with other subjects also.”

Moen plans to spend time with her grandson and her family and friends. She hopes to travel and write for her own personal pleasure.

Sue Moll has taught 32 years in the Whitefish district and four years in Colorado at a Montessori school.

She enjoyed teaching Montessori and when she had her own children she wanted them to experience that type of classroom. At the time, Whitefish did not have a Montessori school, so she started the school that grew into Children’s House Montessori and is still serving children today.

Moll began her career in the school district in the special education department. When the district began a kindergarten program, she was part of the first group of teachers in that grade.

As a teacher, every day is different and learning is fun, she said.

“I have been fortunate to work at a job each day that I love,” she said. “I enjoy seeing the children grow and learn so much in just a year, especially at the kindergarten level. I have many sweet, sad, funny and entertaining stories from my students to remember all my years of teaching. I believe they have kept me young and my mind active.”

Moll said Muldown has been a wonderful place to work.

“Whitefish is so lucky to have educators that are so devoted to doing the best for our children,” she said. “I will miss the hugs and the smiles from all the kids and the friendships that I have made with the teachers and parents at Muldown.”

She plans to be continue to be involved in the community, but does to expect to travel and enjoy life in retirement.

Rita Salisbury says she has always enjoyed helping and working with children. After finishing high school, she had the opportunity to work at an outdoor camp for children.

“I truly enjoyed the experience and decided elementary education would be a good career choice for me,” she said. “What I enjoy most about teaching is getting to know and be a part of so many students’ lives. It brings a sense of accomplishment, knowing I have played a role in setting a foundation that so many students can use to become productive and positive citizens.”

Salisbury teaches second grade at Muldown and has served 34 years in the district, also teaching third grade.

She said she will miss the students, their enthusiasm, their smiles, and their eagerness to learn; and her colleagues.

Salisbury plans to stay busy by playing golf, sailing on Flathead Lake, cross-country skiing, traveling and reading.

“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work for the Whitefish School District and be a part of the Muldown family,” she said. “Thank you parents and community members for supporting such a dedicated and professional group of educators. It has been an honor.”