EVERETT, JUNE 21: Working 43 years for the same employer is the exception to the rule in most vocations. For the last 38 years, Everett Public School teacher, Judy McWilliams, has been a cornerstone at Hawthorne Elementary and is now deciding to retire after joining the school district in 1983.
“While retirement is bittersweet, I know the time has come to trust others to carry the work forward while I find new ways to contribute and support education,” she said. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this incredible, diverse student population, and community.”
McWilliams is one of 60 Everett Public School teachers and staff retiring after the just concluded school year. McWilliams holds the longest tenure of the group.
EPS is recognizing all 60 for their combined contributions to students, staff, families, and the Everett community throughout their careers in education.
McWilliams began her career in 1983 at the
Everett Schools Early Childhood Center,
teaching preschool for more than four years before spending a year teaching kindergarten at
Silver Lake Elementary. In 1988, she joined Hawthorne Elementary, where she remained for the next 38 years, teaching kindergarten, split-grade classes, and third grade.
“Teaching has always been my passion,” McWilliams shared. “Teaching is a journey of lifelong learning for me. I believe all students can learn and deserve a chance to thrive in an ever
changing world.”
Throughout her career, McWilliams became known for her dedication to helping every student succeed and for the meaningful relationships she built with generations of families.
Many former students stayed connected long after leaving her classroom, sharing their successes and appreciation for the encouragement and support she provided during their elementary years. One former student wrote to thank her for “not giving up” on him when he struggled in elementary school. Another former kindergarten student later shared news of earning a degree in early childhood and elementary education before joining the Peace Corps to teach English abroad.
“Those memories stay with me forever,” McWilliams said. “My students and colleagues kept me motivated to continue teaching for more than four decades.”
“While retirement is bittersweet, I know the time has come to trust others to carry the work
forward while I find new ways to contribute and support education,” she said. “It has been an
honor and a privilege to serve this incredible, diverse student population, and community.”
Superintendent Ian Saltzman said, “Our retirees have dedicated their careers to serving
students, families and staff across Everett Public Schools, and their impact will continue to be
felt for generations. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment, compassion, and
leadership.”