Teaching is Second Act for Pleasantville Woman

SLEEPY HOLLOW, N.Y. – Georgene Sheehy actually didn't start teaching until she retired.

The Pleasantville resident spent 30 years in the business world, working in telecommunications. She retired in 2009 and found she finally had the time to go back to school to get her teaching degree.

“Teaching was something I always had an interest in and I dreamed about doing,” she said.

Sheehy graduated on an accelerated basis and then began student teaching at Sleepy Hollow Middle School-High School. She never left. This year she joined the staff as a seventh grade language arts teacher. 

“This school district has been a wonderful experience,” she said. “Everybody is willing to help you and give you support.”

Sheehy says there are a lot of similarities between the business world and education.

“In the business world, especially the kind of work that I did, you were doing a lot of teaming, collaboration, planning, organization, communication,” she said. “So it all translates, and I think, can easily be leveraged into education.”

The best thing about teaching, Sheehy says, is the kids.

“I love the kids,” she said. “I love their energy. I love their passion. It's just a wonderful environment. It's just full of energy, very positive.”

Sheehy has worked in both middle school and high school. She says she really enjoys middle school because that's when students are at an age where they're still curious and inquisitive while still needed nurturing.

“They're starting to spread their wings and get a feel for who they really are, and I think that's what helps make it exciting because you can help them understand who they really are and how to guide them through some of that process,” she said.

Sheehy said her goals for the year include being the best teacher she can be so that she can help her students become successful.

“If I can help influence one child at a time each day and help everybody move to the next level and be somebody that's going to contribute to the community at large, then I think I've done my job,” she said.

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