WICHITA, Kansas, May 20, 2008 – Most Wichita students are just two days away from the end of the school year, but some of their teachers won’t be returning next year.

Two Emerson Elementary teachers are retiring after 30-plus years in the classroom.

Nancy Pattisson doesn’t have much time left to read to her students. After working three decades at Emerson Open Magnet, she’s decided to retire.

So what does it feel like after 31 years have passed at the same school?

“It is very amazing, especially when some of my former students are now sending their children to school here,” Pattisson said.

Today, Nancy’s third graders are reading with Stella Gruenbacker’s Kindergartners. She’s also leaving the classroom after 24 years at Emerson.

"I don't feel any different than I ever have because you don't ever wind down in a job like this,” Gruenbacker said.

Nancy and Stella are the only two teachers leaving Emerson this year, but they represent some of the dozens of other teachers retiring from the district.

Knowing that, these seasoned teachers have some advice for the next generation of educators.

"Really use the resources out there, the people out there,” Pattisson said. “Teachers are such a giving bunch and always ready to help.”

Since they’ve spent so much time in the classroom, they’ve also learned what works and what doesn’t.

“No Child Left Behind has left children and childhood behind.”

Yes there have been challenges, but both women know they’ve gotten huge rewards from teaching these young minds, which is why neither one plans to stay out of the classroom for long.

"I'm sure I'll be back to Emerson to substitute and spend some time here, because I will be missing the kids and my friends,” Pattisson said.

Yeah, I'll miss it, but I'll do something with kids because it is a real empty life without them,” said Gruenbacker.

And both are thankful they still have a few more days left to enjoy their kids.