32 Years in the 8th grade

Randy Nobles has spent 32 years teaching Georgia Studies to 8th graders.  He has influenced many children, teachers, athletes, and families. November 30 will be his last day with Rome City Schools, as he has turned in his letter of resignation. 32 years in the 8th grade is to be commended, especially if you still have your sanity!  Randy has taught at least 2 generations.  The first group of students he taught in 1980 are now approaching 45 years of age. There are some great stories from those early years in the classroom, and it's a wonder he lasted this long.

On the phone....favorite pasttime!

Randy loves history. He can recall minute details that elude most people. One of the things that makes him such a great teacher is his love of the subject.  He can make those stories come to life. Just ask a student who been in his class as he climbed Bunker Hill, or some other historical event!

Learning more history at the Kennedy Library in Boston

Some of the highlights of teaching is when your students become teachers. Randy has definitely inspired  many adolescence to pursue education as a career.  He has had the occasion to teach with former students.  One of those is Phil Wood.  Phil played soccer for Randy at West Rome (you should see the mullet on young Phil). Phil became a teacher and taught history for many years at Rome High.  Aaron and Alyssa were fortunate to have him for American History. Phil then took the administrative route and was actually the assistant principal at Rome Middle School for a few years. That meant Randy's boss was his former student!!

Phil Wood, Aaron and Randy.

Another joy is the student teachers that come through Randy's classroom.  He has had the opportunity to mentor young educators during his tenure at RMS.  It's always exciting to hear how he encouraged them in their teaching.  He does have a few favorites: Grace Cowan Powell and TJ Dixon immediately come to mind!

TJ and Randy during a recent reunion!

Our kids have heard the good, bad and ugly of education, yet ALL of them want to be educators (or already are!).  For years we told Aaron he should teach and coach, he finally realized that was a good choice and will graduate with a geography degree in December. Guess what is going to be taught in the high schools in the NEW common core? Geography!  Of course he wants to coach too.  Randy coached high school soccer for 25 years!

Alyssa is in her first year of teaching in rural Mississippi. From her Dad she learned that teaching is hard work, but that you can make a difference.

Dad and 1st year teacher daughter setting up her classroom

The girls loved having Dad at the middle school. They are  proud that their Dad is such a caring and sensitive teacher.  Carrie would give him hugs when she saw him in the hall.  Carrie is a freshman at Berry, majoring in Early Childhood Education. It's the family profession!

Carrie and Dad on a school sponsored trip to NYC

When Kate was born I made Randy promise that he would keep teaching until she finished middle school. Kate is in the 8th grade, and is bummed that Randy won't finish the year with her. She understands that his mid-year retirement is for financial reasons.

Kate wants to be a middle school teacher.

Randy is retiring earlier than planned because of a tax increase that would mean loss of money during retirement.  He hope to continue working part time after he retires.  His dream job would be to continue as athletic director at Rome Middle School.  He loves taking care of the details so that coaches can focus on coaching.

Randy and I have always said we want to retire to Montana.  I suppose that is yet to be seen, but hopefully retirement will allow us a few trips to our beloved National Parks!

Enjoying Zion National Park 

Mr. Nobles classroom rules:
1. I always win
2. I won't remember your name next week (or maybe even tomorrow)
3. Don't give me an explanation unless I ask for it.

YOU WILL BE MISSED!!