After 38 years, she'll be missed
A retiring elementary school teacher with perfect attendance and a love for education has inspired her students and co-workers.
By ELISABETH DYER
Published May 26, 2006
She thought about retiring eight years ago, when she marked 30 years teaching in Hillsborough schools. But coming to school had become something of a habit for Elmira Curry.
So much so that Curry, who retires today, has not missed a day of school in 38 years.
"I think that if I'm here, and my students know I care, they'll show up and do well," she said during a going away reception for her Monday at Seminole Elementary School.
"I use myself as an example," said Curry, 62. "I nurture that love for coming to school."
Even though the district doesn't track teacher attendance, Curry's 38-year streak is spectacular. As far as anyone knows, it's unmatched, said district spokeswoman Linda Cobbe.
Three generations of students have cycled from first grade through high school while Curry never missed a day at Lanier, Potter and Seminole elementary schools.
"There is no substitute for a good teacher," said former Seminole principal Ruth Ann Reynolds, who remembered the day 19 years ago when she hired Curry.
Soon after Curry joined Seminole, the school began recognizing perfect attendance for faculty and students with the Elmira Curry Award.
"Every year it motivated more and more faculty to show up," principal Jackie Masters said.
Curry made a big impression on Faith Yulee, now a fourth-grade teacher at Sheehy Elementary School. Yulee was in Curry's fifth-grade class at Lanier Elementary when schools began desegregating in the 1970s.
"Coming from the housing projects, we had never seen a middle-class black person," Yulee said. "She wore her hair different. She wore different clothes. We just used to look at her and look at her and look at her."
Curry modeled success. And Yulee followed.
"She had the softest voice but the greatest presence and command," Yulee said.
Curry grew up in MacFarlane Park and graduated from Blake High School. She earned a bachelor's degree at the University of South Florida and a master's degree from the University of Tampa in 1975.
The end of the year feels the same as all the others, Curry said. She raises her hand in class Monday afternoon, a signal to her students for quiet.
"I need you to follow directions," she said. "Amari, we're waiting."
As the students file out, 8-year-old J'anae Canady stops for a hug.
J'anae whispers a story about Curry: "One time when I said I was glad she was made in the world, she said she was glad that I was made in the world, because she said I make this world a better place."
The students are the reason she has returned to the classroom year after year, Curry said. Come this fall, she suspects she'll miss them.
But she'll keep busy with a new grandchild and working at her church. That and compiling the humorous snippets of classroom memories into a book.
Elisabeth Dyer can be reached at edyer@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3321.