As we approach the end of the school year, we prepare to say goodbye to three retiring Bel Air High School teachers, science teacher Ruth Burton, mathematics teacher Susan Taylor, and special education teacher of 15 years, Kristin Pollard.
Over her 39 years of teaching, Burton has taught various levels of chemistry here at Bel Air High School. When asked to share a special memory she has from teaching, Burton reflected on times that her former students expressed their gratitude for her as a teacher, sharing that her class was extremely beneficial to their college careers. “A lot of little things happen that can make you smile,” she added. After retirement, she is looking forward to being able to learn things she has not had the chance to learn throughout her commitment to teaching.
Susan Taylor has been teaching in the math department for 30 years. Taylor recently finished editing her soon to be published AP prep book Strive for a 5 and is hoping to stay connected to AP work; she plans to continue reading AP test scores and will continue to tutor students. Taylor’s advice for future students is, “in this world of AI where a lot of thinking can be done for you, don’t be afraid to use your own brain.”
After retirement, Taylor plans to move South, “near the beach where we can live in a community with a pool and a pickleball court.”