With the end of the school year coming, we have had the honor of speaking with a retiring teacher, Mrs. Harris. After working at Warren for over 31 years, it is with great sadness that Warren Township High School has to say goodbye to Mrs. Harris, a dedicated English teacher at the O’Plaine Campus.

After attending both Indiana University and Northeastern in Chicago, Mrs. Harris pursued many jobs over the years before finally finding her passion for teaching in 1994, when she came to Warren. 

Mrs. Harris is extremely committed to helping her students succeed, and have a safe space in school. In fact, all of her favorite memories of working here at Warren have involved assisting struggling students and making them feel appreciated. One in particular involved her buying her students candy bars for being very hardworking that year, and a student who had come from a struggling family appreciating that gift like he had never received one before.

Throughout our interview, Mrs. Harris mentioned her deep appreciation for her colleagues, who she has made countless memories with, and the school curriculum that has allowed her to be creative and create a unique experience for her students. Many of the teachers here at Warren have no end of great things to say about Mrs. Harris. 

Mrs. Mohr, in particular, said that, “Mrs. Harris frequently stands out as an amazing teacher; she often shows energy and enthusiasm for her passion for teaching. A way she truly indicates her selflessness is the way she accommodates her students, supporting and encouraging a good work ethic.” Mrs. Harris is one of the oldest teachers in the English department, and when asking her colleagues, they are glad she was able to be there when facing challenges and asking for general advice with her creative ideas and recommendations, making an impact on everyone. Mohr hopes that every one of Harris’s students has greatly appreciated the work she has put in for not only teaching freshman and ELL students, but also helping during twilight study tables, and as an ACT proctor.

We are so lucky to have had the opportunity to interview Mrs. Harris and see the great impact that she has had on our school. Mrs. Harris will be greatly missed, not just by her students and colleagues, but by her community.