Retiring from education, for many, isn’t exactly leaving the field of education. It is simply a step into a new level of education. You can take the teacher out of the school, but the desire to teach is innate.
After 33 years in public education, in June, Belinda Dammen will be clocking out of the Pascagoula-Gautier School District for the final time. She has spent the majority of her administrative career in PGSD after serving as assistant principal at Escatawpa Elementary in Moss Point before being chosen as principal of Cherokee Elementary.
Throughout her education career, Mrs. Dammen has taught math, social studies, and Career Discovery. She also served as the cheerleader sponsor, assistant principal and principal, and is vacating her current position as Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education.
She said she didn’t choose to go into education, but, rather, it chose her.
“I felt it was a calling to make a difference in my community,” she said. “I was blessed with great teachers in my life, and I wanted to do the same.”
Those teachers instrumental in this calling, she said, were Betty Spencer, Jan Avery, Rachel Hogue, Sam Clemons, Don Clinton and so many others in the Pascagoula School District. The move to administration was more of a nudge from a friend who said her “bossiness” would make her a good principal.
While she will remain in education following retirement, her role will look very different. She will be taking a position as Director of First Methodist Church of Pascagoula Learning Center.
“I consider this another calling and mission,” she said. “I am excited to be back with kids everyday while still doing what I love and growing kids and teachers.”
Growing kids and teachers, she said, has always been her favorite part of her career, especially when the growth comes full circle. Former 7th grade student, Jessical Coleman, who has also continued to learn under Mrs. Dammen having been a teacher, assistant principal, principal and now in a district-level position, will be filling Mrs. Dammen’s shoes as the new Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education.
“I love watching kids grow into thriving adults with families,” Mrs. Dammen said. “I taught the person who is taking my place.”
Ms. Coleman recalls being a student in Mrs. Dammen’s classroom in 1995-1996.
“This is such a full-circle moment for me,” Ms. Coleman said. “She began as my teacher, then my supervisor and finally my mentor. I have had the opportunity to apply the wealth of knowledge I have gained from her in the very seat she sat in for so long.”
She said there is self-placed pressure on her to continue the success built by Mrs. Dammen. Her goal is to continue what has been built to ensure those in her care continue to soar in excellence.
She said in her 33 years, there have been tensions, especially with the rapid pace of change while still knowing what is best for teachers and students along with meeting the requirements set forth by the state. She said her husband Mark, and daughters Kaylynn and Kendall, have always supported her career, “even if it wasn’t always fun for them.”
“Mark has always been willing to step in anytime I needed him,” she said. “The girls have been with me throughout the journey as I have been in the district with them throughout their education.”
While the full circle of as a student and graduate of the Pascagoula School District to retiring from a career in education from the Pascagoula-Gautier School District is complete, a new circle in impacting the lives of children will continue.
