Most teachers dream of retirement, the day when the burden of school tasks becomes a distant memory. Mrs. Beth Bagwell, an AP European History teacher, eagerly returned to teaching after three years of retirement and once again became part of the teaching staff.

Mrs. Bagwell began her teaching career at Palmetto in 1989, teaching AP European History and Honors Humanities. She also took on the role of Social Studies Department Chair until her brief retirement in 2009. Although Mrs. Bagwell thrived as department chair, she prefers to focus solely on enriching children with her true passion and specialty: European History, her specialty.

“My retirement gave me the opportunity to travel to various places and take some time for myself,” Mrs. Bagwell said. “I missed teaching more than anything, and when I was offered a part time teaching job at Palmetto, I jumped at the opportunity.”

Mrs. Bagwell finally received what she had waited for: Three AP European History classes filled with intelligent teenagers that yearn to learn from the best. Not only do her students look up to her extensive knowledge of history, her fellow colleagues do as well. Teachers like Mrs. Peggy Falagan and Mrs. Julianne Farkas would not be a part of the teaching staff without Mrs. Bagwell’s efforts.

“Ten years ago, after getting into a fight with my boss at Coral Park High School, I was offered a job here at Palmetto High thanks to Mrs. Bagwell,” Mrs. Falagan said.“If there was a Hall of Fame for teachers, Mrs. Bagwell would be in it. How could I say no to a teacher as legendary as Mrs. Bagwell?”

Many wonder if this will be Mrs. Bagwell’s final year teaching or if she will continue her profession for years to come. Mostly sophomores enroll in AP European History, so several students are curious to find out if Mrs. Bagwell will return to teach next year.

“This year will probably be my last year teaching, but with time comes new opportunities and decisions,” Mrs. Bagwell said. “My husband and I have discussed traveling and exploring places we have never been to before. I am looking forward to new journeys and adventures, but teaching will always have a place in my heart.”