An observer looking in would never know that Ann O’Hara was about to begin the next stage of her life: retirement. Ann O’Hara was an engineer before ultimately taking the position to geometry teacher at Emmaus High School for 26 years.

 The career switch seemed almost obvious for her when it came to caring for her kids; one of her top priorities recently was that her third and fourth children be cared for by family and not just daycare workers. 

Despite teaching being a second career, O’Hara has immense knowledge of her subject. She uses the feedback from past students every year to keep her going. When asked about what she admires in students, she strongly points out wanting her students to be persistent in the classroom. 

“I want somebody who really wants to learn and even if they understand it, they want to learn further. They’re motivated,” O’Hara said. 

All the students whose hearts she has touched will miss her once she leaves. Her explanation skills have been something that her students admire and appreciate.

Nora Benner, a freshman in O’Hara’s geometry class, expressed sorrow at the news that her math teacher will retire. 

“I think I’ll miss the way she teaches, always making sure that people understand the concept before she moves on. She also always has candy on her desk,” Benner said.