After 32 years of teaching, Mrs. Truitt is retiring!
We can't wait to celebrate with our kind, loving and generous mother - but we need your help too!
Please take a moment to contribute a message or memory in the comments below. We plan to aggregate these comments into a retirement book for Mom. We'll present the book to her in early May, at her retirement banquet.
Please also send any pictures that you may wish to share to ben.truitt@gmail.com.
Thanks for contributing to this collaborative send-off gift!
Sincerely,
Jim, Ben and Todd Truitt, sons of Susan Truitt
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Susan Truitt
About Nuestra Madre
- Learned to drive in Libya
- Taught over 4500 students during her career
- Has studied French and Italian, in addition to Spanish
- Visited Costa Rica, Spain and Mexico without getting arrested once
- Plans to head to the beach the minute school is out
Mom has definitely had an excellent teaching career, and I hope you all find time to leave a comment or a memory.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your help! Go Eagles (we're still the eagles right?)
-Jim
Senora Truitt,
ReplyDeletegracias para la ayuda. fue un buen profesora y yo no podria a viajar in Sur america si no aprendi de ustd. Mrs. Truitt, know what an amazing influence you made on so many students. You certainly made an impact on me and God is so pleased with your work. You have brought so much jo and enabled so many people to be so successful. I am humbled by your hard work and your passion for kids like myself and know that you will always be remembered for what you have done by so many and, most importantly, by God. Well done.
Sincerely,
Nik Vukovich
Señora Truitt,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finally getting out of there. I don't know how you lasted for so long. I'm guessing whatever it was it had nothing to do with the pay. The education world will surely have a large hole to fill with you gone. One would think me obligated to say so, given that this is a blog commemorated to you, but I assure you that I'm not exaggerating when I say that you were by far my favorite teacher in school, foreign language or otherwise. I wish you well in all of your post-retirement endeavors and hope that you get plenty of opportunities to keep your Spanish skills honed.
Sincerely,
Òscar Joven
A.K.A. Josh Young
Congratulations Mrs. Truitt! I unwisely took French and thus never had the opportunity to sit in one of your amazing spanish classes. Fortunately I've had the opportunity to know you personally through Jim. I know without doubt that Heritage is losing one of its finest teachers. How wonderful that you've touched and inspired so many students including some who never made it into any of your classes. :) Enjoy the beach!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Truitt!
ReplyDeleteI have such great memories of your classes - it was probably the only class I truly looked forward to in high school. Not only did you teach us the Spanish language and culture, but also life lessons and respect for one another. I've met a few of your students that have passed through HHS and it's amazing how everyone has the same opinion of you - you're an incredible teacher but also a beautiful and positive person. I wish you all the luck and hope you finally get some time to relax.
- Brittany Cirbo (Alicia)
Senora Truitt!
ReplyDeleteFue un gusto estar en sus clases! Solo tengo muy buenas memorias de hablando y riendo. Usted me dio un amor para lenguaje, por eso todavia estoy aprendiendo espanol y portugues. Gracias por todo que usted ha hecho para mi y todos los otros que tomaron espanol en Heritage.
Felicidades
Sam Brown-Stonbraker
(Margarita)
Esta computadora no puede escribir simbolos en espanol jaja
Senora Truitt
ReplyDeleteYou were by far one of the very best teachers I had at Heritage and you made a very big impact on my life. I learned more in your classes than I did in any other and am very greatful to have had you as a teacher.
You are a wonderfully amazing woman, teacher and friend and I hope you realize how many lives you have touched.
I am sure that you will be greatly missed in the teaching community.
I wish you much happiness and relaxation on your retirement.
Thank you for all that you have done and given me
Congratulations!
Chabella Gallegos
Aka Jacalyn Gallegos
Hola senora Truitt!
ReplyDeleteYeah! You get to relax. I am excited for you and so thankful that i got to be a student in your class. You are truly a wonderful person and know how to make learning a language fun. You were definately one of my very favorite teachers and i will always remember you.
After spanish at heritage high school i did not continue to study the language, unfortunately, but now i am learning and using it more than i ever have, since i am marrying a man from Mexico. It is such a beautiful language and culture and i love being apart of it.
Congratulations and Enjoy.
Anita Graves
Aka Kaycee Graves
Mrs. Truitt,
ReplyDeleteHow sad (for future students) that you are retiring, but how wonderful (for you and your family) that you get some time for yourself! Venturing more into Latin and Italian in my language studies, I never had you as a Spanish teacher but was thrilled to have you as my "database" supervisor. We weren't always the most polite group of students or the easiest to get along with, I'm sure of it. I look back on that time with an immense amount of gratitude for your patience and a greater appreciation for the passion that must have kept you in that position for so long.
More than a teacher, you are really a model for those of us considering positions in education, youth mentoring, or community organizing-- thank you for providing so many gifts to HHS students beyond the Spanish language!
Congrats,
Hayley White
(I don't have a cool Spanish name- but I can be Kenton's little sister!)
Senora Truitt!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you to start the next stage of your life - relaxing! I feel honored to have been taught by you. I truly feel that a good teacher is one of the best gifts a person can have in their life. You made it clear that you loved what you did and that you loved the students you taught. Congratulations on 32 years! and muchas gracias!
Kate Fey
Mrs. Truitt,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your retirement! What an accomplishment after so many years of teaching. Seven years after high school I have been fortunate to continue to use the skills that you taught me. During the past year I have had the opportunity to work with Puerto Rican immigrants in a community health clinic. Thank you so much for giving me the ability to do this. Your impact on students will continue long beyond your retirement. Congratulations! Enjoy your much deserved vacation.
Shannon Acker
Mrs Truitt! You have been one of the most memorable teachers. I am so fortunate to have been one of your students. The energy and enthusiasm you bring into the classroom is something all teachers should take after.
ReplyDeleteWithout your class I would have been in trouble last semester in Spain, I could not believe how much came back to me. Thank you for everything you have taught me!
Carri Wilbanks...HHS '04!
Mrs Truitt,
ReplyDeleteCongrats for many years well spent. Thank you for putting up with the shinanagians of your students and friends of Jim like me. Unlike many other classes I took there, I definately used your taught spanish skills in Mexico and Peru, and hopefully will continue to be able to survive in future trips to S. America. Though I do appologize I couldnt write this in spanish for you. Enjoy your much deserved freedom from a building with few windows.
Cheers, and best wishes,
Houston Thompson
MrsTruitt,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your retirement!! I just wanted to say what and an amazing teacher you are, and thank you for all your hard work and dedication to providing your students with the very best. Although Heritage is losing one of its finest teachers, your retirement is well deserved. Enjoy your newfound freedom, and thanks you again for everything you’ve done.
My Best,
Kim Lambert
Mrs. Truitt,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Like many other former students contributing to this gift, I want to thank you for the time you spent teaching me. Your patience was incredible. I’ve since had the opportunity to use my Spanish skills to instruct an evening class in Peru and tutor second graders in Minnesota. My ability to help is rooted in your efforts to help me. So thanks, and I may your retirement to be all that you hoped for.
best wishes,
Lee Finley- Blasi
Dear Mrs. Truitt,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your dedication to your students. I always remember your engaging and welcoming classroom environment. You truly inspired me to continue my pursuit in Spanish after Heritage and I am grateful for the opportunity to sit in your class. I am now using many of the skills you taught me to begin a career this fall as a Kindergarten teacher. Thank you for all your years of service.
Sincerely,
Michael Tanner
Senora Truitt,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for being the best Spanish teacher ever! I appreciated the fact that, while you were our teacher, you were still able to treat us like your friends. It was fun and I still learned a lot. I went on a mission for two years to Mexico, and I can tell you that I was better prepared to speak the language than anyone else there...except for the missionaries who were from Mexico. They kind of had a head start on me, but other than that, I was able to quickly apply what you had taught me. Thank you for your years of service and have a happy and relaxing retirement.
Sincerely,
Paul "Nacho" Sabey
p.s. I remember the time you were trying to teach the different past tenses to another class, so you had me come in and argue with you about a grade I got on a test or something and then had the class describe what happened in the past tenses. That was fun. I hope you told them that it was all set up, otherwise they probably think I am a big jerk for yelling at such a great teacher.
El mar
ReplyDeleteDe Pablo Neruda
El mar,
Y quanto mar,
Se sala disa mismo a colorado,
Di se que si,
Que no,
Que no Que no Que no,
Dise que se,
in azul,
In es puma en galope.
You recorded that poem on a tape “special” for me to memorize. I listened to it over and over; I don’t know what I’m saying, something about the ocean. But I still can recite that poem, even if I can’t spell it.
Anyways you are such an amazing person, and I know for many others and me you are one of the great teachers, and memories from high school. Your kind heart and infectious enthusiasm for your students made your classroom a great place to be. I know you will be missed and impossible to replace. I hope you enjoy your time off, and I hope we will continue to stay in touch.
Love, Brian Renner
AKA Tomas’
Senora Truitt -
ReplyDeleteYour guidance, optimism and enthusiasm will always stand out as a shining light of my years at Heritage. You encouraged us all to become better students and a more informed individuals about Spanish and Latin culture and linguistics. I've continued to study Spanish (majoring in college, studying in Spain) and I certainly owe a large part of that passion to you. I'm still not sure I understand "el boom de magicorealismo," but maybe someday...
Have a terrific and relaxing retirement!
Sincerely,
Alec Saslow
(Nene)
Mrs. Truitt,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a wonderful career. Unfortunately, I never had the privilege of taking one of your classes but it is easy to see that you have been an inspiration to many and have truly made a difference in the world. You leave quite a legacy and some big shoes to fill. Enjoy your retirement, you’ve definitely earned it.
Travis Frazier
Dear Susan,
ReplyDeleteI always wished I could be a student in your class, especially the part of the year when students chose a "family" and "married" and took on roles such as mayor and corresponded with real mayors in Mexico. It all sounded fun, especially the dancing and your singing! Fortunately, I was able to be a student with you when we took Italian, not because we had any hope of traveling there, but because it sounded so bella. I am impressed with our continued proficiency, and my wish during your retirement is that we win the Lotto and travel to the Eternal City to show off our language acquisition.
Katherine
Senora Truitt-
ReplyDeleteYou were my favorite teacher at Heritage High School. I am sure you got annoyed by my frequent requests for “extra credito” every time I answered a question in class correctly (which as you probably recall, didn’t happen very often), so thanks for putting up with me. I always looked forward to your class because I knew you cared about your students and wanted to see them succeed. Thanks for all the time you spent before and after class helping me interpret the homework assignments. The kindness you showed me and your dedication to your students and volunteer work at the hospital had a lasting impression on me. Congratulations on 32 years well spent.
Much Love,
Steve Case (Esteban Caso)
Hi Mom,
ReplyDeleteLooking back over the years, three traits really stand out which, to me, describe your teaching style: dedication, generosity and passion.
Your dedication and unparalleled work ethic were demonstrated regularly as you would wake up at 4:00 AM to grade assignments and review papers. While in middle school and high school, I remember waking up many mornings only to find that you had already put in several hours of hard work as a preamble to the regular 12+ hour work day.
One of my favorite memories of your generous spirit is the “adoption” of an English-as-a-Second-Language family who recently immigrated from Mexico. While I was home one weekend from college, I helped you “run a few quick errands”....which took most of the day. It turned out that you had been helping to tutor some of the children, been attending parent-teacher conferences with the parents in order to translate, and escorting other family members to various doctors. All on your own time...
Finally, a few years ago I had the privilege to come speak to one of your classes about the intricacies and idiosyncrasies of doing business in Latin American countries. We discussed conducting meetings in Argentina, hosting dinners in Mexico, or agreeably disagreeing in Brazil. What struck me in the discussion was the comfortable rapport, trust, and passion exhibited between you and the students.
These traits are just examples of what made you such a successful teacher; but they also embody who you are. Your dedication to excellence, generosity of character, and passion for life are just some of the things that make you such a successful person.
See you soon,
--Todd
Mrs. Truitt,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on making it this far. I know it takes a very special person to be a teacher. I never took Spanish class; however, I have heard you were the best teacher many of them have ever had. I know you raised three great intelligent and driven kids (adults). Good luck with whatever lies ahead; hopefully, many trips and lots of relaxing, you deserve it.
Greg
Susan -
ReplyDeleteIt is time for you to put the passion, commitment and enthusiasm into doing things for yourself as you have done for hundreds of others over the past 32 years of teaching. I only hope that you DO TAKE THE TIME FOR YOURSELF - YOU DESERVE IT!
It is always such a gift to watch, learn and be shown the influence of a gifted and master teacher and the affect she can have upon her students, colleagues,and friends. You have left a lasting impression upon me, by exemplifying what teaching is all about - sharing, caring and inspiring others to push beyond their expectations!
You have always approached life and teaching with a HUGE HEART that is sincere and giving. Whether you are helping a beginning teacher, or working with an AP student, your patience, willingness to listen is always welcomed and treasured. Your imprint upon all of us at Heritage is irreplaceable and life-long. THANKS!!!
I think of you always with warm heart, because your smile is contagious and you have a genuine love for people. This only touches the surface of what you have shared with me.
I will also remember you willingness to perform "Soulja Boy" in front of the student body. It was a joy to see the smiles and laughter your brought to our students, parents and colleagues. Your willingness to push yourself beyond the "comfort zone" is another reason you are an excellent teacher.
The teaching profession has been lucky to have had you a part of its ranks for the past 32 years. Know that you will be greatly missed, but it is now time for you to give to yourself, what you have given to so many over the years. Enjoy the next stage of your life - may it be filled with sunshine, family, friends,adventure and two good knees.:)
Love Ya,
Tina Baca
Parker Palmer suggests we “teach who we are.” And this is why Susan Truitt is an exceptional educator. Susan is passionate about Spanish, is committed to Heritage High School, and loves her students. She can’t help but care. It is who she is. . . And her passion will not allow her to accept anything less than the best, from herself, from her students, and from her school.
ReplyDeleteWith regard to Spanish, Susan periodically quotes, is it Socrates?, stating that “the person who speaks two languages, sees with two souls.” For her, teaching is not a job, it is about facilitating soul development. This is why it is not okay for her students to learn about Spanish. Of course it is not okay for her students to play at this challenge of bilingualism. What she expects is for her students to be impacted . . . not superficially, but deeply. Yes, it is about skills, it is about grammar, it is about pronunciation, it is about vocabulary, but all together, it is about soul development.
As we embarked on the PLC movement, Susan carried the banner. She pushed and prodded, learned and led. She sought out another angle, another research article, another strategy. And she never allowed us to forget that education is about knowing and responding to the kids, working with them on a personal level –tutoring – intervening.
A short list of some of Susan’s Bests
Susan is absolutely the best writer of recommendations. NO QUESTION ABOUT IT! BAR NONE! EVER! IN ALL THE WORLD! Nobody works harder to craft a special recommendation for a deserving student. She speaks personally, specifically, and powerfully. And if Susan doesn’t have enough information to capture a student in a unique way, she will go so far as attend an activity in which that student participates, or invite the student in for an interview, in order to discover something else meaningful and specific which will make her recommendation come alive. They are not recommendation letters, they are exercises in love.
Susan is the best Mom and Grandmother. I have to admit that I am just an outside observer here. But one cannot help but be struck by the incredible affection and pride with which Susan speaks of her sons, her daughters in law, and her grandchildren. She shares her pride at their recent accomplishments and eagerly anticipates approaching “get togethers.” Her stories of her family reflect such incredible admiration and love.
Susan is the best adopted Grandma. I have a new daughter, Ai Pei, adopted not quite two years ago from China. I have to admit I am a bit smitten with this four year old. Now what could be more loving than a work partner who not only puts up with my stories about my daughter, but actually encourages them. She will regularly ask me for an “Ai Pei story.” And then listen with genuine interest as I share some recent milestone. When Ai Pei comes to work with me, she runs to greet Susan. Recently, Ai Pei was playing with Susan as I was running around with work. I came back to our office to find it vacant. No Ai Pei and no Susan. I looked out the door and caught them just as they disappeared around the corner, hand in hand. I later discovered that Susan had simply stopped all her work to take my four year old daughter on an important excursion - Looking for treats. Their journey led them to the library. They came back, deep in conversation, with a bag full of crayons. And smiles.
Susan is the best host. One simply cannot go to her house without being served something unique, specially prepared in anticipation of the visit. Maybe it is southern hospitality? No I think it is just Susan.
Susan is the best mentor. Catherine and Kate could go on and on and on, about what it was like to have Susan as their mentor. The regular letters, the maps, the things to do in Denver, the phone calls, the evenings over at her house, clues about how HHS works. She is the model mentor.
Susan has the best stash of cards for all occasions. I steal one regularly.
Susan is the best partner and friend. I could not have had a better partner the past three years. Thank you for the conversations. Thank you for caring. Thank you for modeling excellence, for modeling openness, for modeling love. Thank you for being a friend.
Tony Winger
Susan is not only a tremendous teacher, she's a compassionate, insightful, wise human being. I have been fortunate to reside across from her for the past three years at Heritage and have benefited her generous spirit.
ReplyDeleteLaronda Lawson
Senora Truitt,
ReplyDeleteThank you for being such a great teacher over the years. Your consistent positive attitude was surely a great motivator for your thousands of students throughout your tenure as it was for me. You always had a smile on your face and made your classes truly enjoyable. Foreign language is a difficult subject and you managed to make it a favorite among many Heritage students while I was there. You believed that any of your students could succeed and you saw to it that it happened. Your presence will be missed at Heritage. Happy Retirement! You deserve it!
Clayton León
Señora Truitt,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your retirement. I can't think of anyone who deserves a fabulous beach vacation more than you!
We were all so lucky to know and be taught by you. Your deep love for Spanish language and culture sparkled through all your lessons and made it easy and fun to learn. There are many things I will never forget; "príncipe azul", our Spanish chats, the immigrant family we sponsored at Christmas, your kind college recommendation letter, Garcia Lorca's poetry, and the ever-present Mr Harrison Ford. Most of all, I will remember your true joy in the successes of your students (particularly when one spontaneously constructed a sentence with indirect objects or direct-object pronouns!) Knowing how deeply you cared for us made us better students. And more than just teaching us about imperfect tenses and irregular conjugations, you taught us by example how to be truly good and caring people. To live for a purpose, and pursue it with passion and love. That is the first, best lesson I learned from you.
Thank you always, and enjoy retirement!
With love,
Emilia Uecker