Saratoga, California Since
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Saratoga Schools
Barbara Reeder, a PE and computer science teacher at Saratoga High School, is retiring after 38 years with the district. By Joanna Rauh June means graduation for Saratoga High School, but it isn't only graduating seniors who are beginning a new phase of life. This was the last year of high school for two teachers from Saratoga High, and as the community waves good-bye to the class of 2002, it also bids good luck to two beloved figures in the community as they set off on a new journey - retirement. Barbara Reeder Barbara Reeder joined the Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union School District as a teacher at Los Gatos High 38 years ago, spending the last 15 years at Saratoga High School. "There's not been a year I haven't taught P.E." says Reeder, who earned her bachelor of science degree at Ohio's Bowling Green State University in health and physical education. A self-proclaimed tomboy, Reeder was thoroughly involved in both P.E. and the Girls Athletic Association (GAA) in high school. "That was before we had Title 9, but we played softball and basketball [through GAA], and that gave me the chance to really be active," says Reeder, who took advantage of every sports opportunity she had, including the cheerleading team. She also spent time coaching a competitive gymnastics team, which she regards as one of the best experiences of her life. In addition to her career in physical education, however, Reeder has also acted as department chair for the practical arts, teaching computer skills such as typing, database, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, graphics and web design for the last 19 years. Reeder has had to grow with the technology in a quickly accelerating world of computer-based advances. "When I first started teaching computer classes, there were probably only a few other teachers in the district who had a little more knowledge in computers than I did, and I just got really fascinated. Computer science ended up being a hobby for me; I just loved it," she says. An independent spirit, Reeder graduated from college with the goal of moving to either Michigan, Minnesota or California. With four sisters from her Alpha Chi Omega sorority, along with another good friend, the band of adventurous young women headed out west for California. And she stayed. In the next few decades, Reeder would reside in both Los Gatos and Campbell and raise two sons in the community. Now she is retiring. As more and more students are getting exemptions from physical education requirements, and computer skills are being taught at younger and younger ages, she says, "It's time." Instead of making lesson plans for next year, Reeder is making travel plans. China, the French Alps, Paris and maybe even Costa Rica are already in sight for this still thrill-seeking soul. The future looks exciting and bright for Reeder. Motivated and energetic, Reeder now looks forward to sharing her knowledge of computer skills with the elderly and engaging in as much volunteer work as she can. But she will certainly miss the students whom she regards as, simply, "kind, friendly, good kids." June Kanazawa After 13 years as a research specialist at Saratoga High School, June Kanazawa has decided to take an early retirement. Kanazawa's three credentials from UC-Berkeley include a multiple subjects credential and both a learning handicaps and special resources degree, in addition to a master's degree from San Jose State University in special education. 
Saratoga High School special education teacher June Kanazawa is retiring from the school. Born in Utah, she began her career in Illinois, teaching at an elementary school, and soon made the move back to California where she taught at the middle school level. Kanazawa has been "teaching since the third grade," she says, presuming the role of teacher when she and her sisters played. She did not, however, guess that she would be taking the lead as a special education instructor. In fact, it was only after she discovered that her younger son had a slight learning disability that she began to educate herself on the subject. "I started taking classes just to see if I could help him, and be aware of things," Kanazawa says. "I didn't want to be caught in a position where I couldn't understand what people were talking about." Both of her sons are Saratoga High School graduates, and she herself joined the staff one year after her youngest boy's graduation. For Kanazawa, raising her family gave her vital experience that she believes made her a better teacher all around. "I started teaching as an inexperienced novice," she says. "Raising a family helped me have a different perspective on teaching and understanding how kids worked." Perhaps it is that special insight that made Kanazawa such a beloved figure in the SHS community. She understands that "it's really the total kid, not just the academic" side of the student that makes an individual successful. Principal Kevin Skelly describes her as a "tireless advocate for her students," and certainly Kanazawa has seen the rewards of her work. After only 13 years, she is taking a relatively early retirement. Her husband is already retired, and as this was one of Kanazawa's "best years ever," so she feels her decision is timely. Future plans include climbing Mt. Fuji, continuing her volunteer work at Hakone Gardens in the Saratoga hills and getting involved with work for underprivileged children. As Kanazawa moves on to the next phase of her life, she looks back to see great advances in the face of modern special education. "Everybody is becoming much more familiar with special ed students, and they're much more accepting and understanding. It's much more of a team effort, and I think that's wonderful." Kanazawa's unique relationship with students has proven to set her apart, both as a teacher and an individual. Both Reeder and Kanazawa have set an example for motivated and passionate instructors throughout the community. Their presence at the high school will be missed, and the time they have spent there cherished. |
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