Dedication of a Lifetime
Some teachers fret about getting old when they start teaching the
children of former students. Educator Ray Roberts didn’t mind,
even when the kids under his watchful eye were his former students’
great-grandchildren.
Roberts retired from the Gridley Unified School District in Gridley,
California, last summer, after 67 years. He was hired in 1936 to
teach elementary mathematics and physical education—for $1,400
per year. Through the years, Roberts taught, coached, became a principal,
and finally, served as the district’s truant officer. He was
dedicated to students, often making telephone calls and house calls,
even giving an ill child a ride home.
“I’ve had contact with 45,000 to 50,000 kids and adults
in my career,” says Roberts. He doesn’t think kids have
changed much since he started teaching. “They’re more
knowledgeable about worldly things,” he admits. “But
don’t sell these kids short. You hear about the bad kids,
and the good kids don’t get attention.”
Roberts graduated from Chico State Teacher’s College in 1936
with a general elementary teaching credential. He played basketball
and football for long-time coach Art Acker; in 1986, Roberts was
inducted into the CSU, Chico Athletic Hall of Fame.
Roberts counts among his happiest moments those when a student says,
“Mr. Roberts, you’ve made a difference in my life.”
Lisa Kirk, Public Affairs and Publications
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