When Knoxvillian Carolyn Phillips came to Monroe County to attend Hiwassee College, she had no idea she would stay. And now, after 41 years working in the Monroe County School System, Phillips is finally ready to retire.

“Carolyn Phillips is a dedicated hardworking professional who has given 41 years to the children of Monroe County. Her good humor, personality and smile will be missed at Coker Creek Elementary School,” said Mike Lowry, director of Monroe County Schools. “We’re indebted for her service to our children in Monroe County.”

Phillips began her career in Coker Creek teaching Title I reading. She went to Rural Vale after that, also teaching Title I, then became a traveling art teacher serving Coker Creek, Rural Vale, Ball Play and Tellico Plains.

When she hung up her paintbrushes, Phillips returned to teach at Rural Vale, where she stayed for 27 years. She followed that up as principal at Coker Creek for another 10 years.

After such a lengthy career, Phillips began to see the children and grandchildren of some of her first students coming through her schools. She even had a secretary that had been in one of her first grade classes.

Out of all the subjects and grades she taught, Phillips said third grade at Rural Vale was her favorite. She also said her students at Coker Creek had great discipline.

But then, she said thoughtfully, no matter what grade she taught, the children were always the same, “they just get bigger.”

And now she’s on to bigger and better things – spending more time with her grandchildren. She also hopes to devote some time to sewing and quilting.

“I’m thankful that I have had the opportunity to work in Monroe County, close to my home, close to my children. And, I’ve had some really good administrators and friends,” she said.

Phillips said she never had one problem with either principals or superintendents while she was a teacher. “It was a pleasure to go to work every day,” she added.

melissa.kinton@advocateand democrat.com | 337-7101