Going out with a bang
Seventeen-year preschool teacher Terry Matzat gathered with current and former students and parents in a surprise celebration for her retirement on May 25. Former students ranged from elementary to high school aged.
Castle Pines resident and beloved pre-school teacher Terry Matzat decided it was time to hang up her toy bin and supplies and start a new venture into retirement this spring. Matzat has been teaching preschoolers out of her home in Castle Pines for 17 years, first in HOA 1 for 10 years and then in Claremont Estates for seven. Matzat always capped her students, ages 3 to 5-years old, at a low number and kept the learning hands-on and fun, with half-day sessions Mondays through Thursdays.
Seventeen-year preschool teacher Terry Matzat gathered with current and former students and parents in a surprise celebration for her retirement on May 25. Former students ranged from elementary to high school aged.
“I love this age,” Matzat said. “I loved teaching them through a play-based curriculum. They play but are still learning so much academically and also life-long lessons. They are so curious. Everything about school is fun, and they are like sponges soaking up all the information they can get!”
Originally from Cincinnati, Matzat moved to Colorado after getting a degree in education from Purdue and taught kindergarten and first grade in Denver Public Schools for 13 years. She then stayed home with her own daughters for eight years before teaching at Cherry Hills Christian for three years and then starting her own preschool.
When hearing of the upcoming retirement for Matzat, current and former students and parents planned a surprise get-together in Matzat’s cul-de-sac immediately following her last-ever preschool class on May 25. Matzat was in awe as she walked down her driveway for the last time with preschoolers in tow. Decorations, a loving banner, snacks, champagne, and a photo memorial book were all waiting for Matzat. Lots of hugs were shared as well as a few tears.
Matzat reflected, “It’s been so wonderful to see the kids I have taught excel in school and become leaders in their various interests. One boy I had in preschool graduated college last year. He went on to become an engineer, and I had always told his parents that is what I figured he would become. Even as a preschooler he had that engineering brain to figure out mathematics and loved to build. And as you know, they certainly get taller than me!”
When asked what the next chapter holds, Matzat replied, “I really don’t know! It’s kind of surreal; scary, yet exciting. Teaching was my passion and certainly fulfilled a lot of purpose in my life. Now – more time with grandkids (I have five), travel with my husband for his work, just travel, and see where God leads me!”
Article and photos by Kathy Fallert
