After teaching for 26 years, special education teacher Ranie Pearce announced her decision to retire from Campo. Before her time at Campo, Pearce entered teaching somewhat unexpectedly. “Need” is what initially pulled her into the career. “I was working as an assistant teacher, and there were so many teachers out on sickness that kids [and there were] terrible subs were there. I thought, I can do better than a sub. So I did.”

Already familiar with the role as an assistant teacher, Pearce said “[Teaching] was easier than I thought and harder than I thought.” Over her time as an educator, Pearce discovered the connections she built became the most meaningful part of her career. “I always knew I’d really like the kids, I didn’t realize how much I would grow to really like the teachers too.”

And despite all challenges, Pearce finds working with students to be the highlight of her career. “The kids,” she said, “I love the kids.” She added jokingly, “And I like summer vacation. Not gonna lie, love summer vacation after you retire.”

More than anything, Pearce hopes that the students she had remember their resilience. “I have swum all around the world, and I’ve done some really hard things, even though I’m old.” The role she plays in her students’ lives go beyond her role as a teacher, Pearce continued, “And I think I tried really hard to instill that in them, that you’re so much stronger than you realize, and you have to just be brave.” This dedication to helping her students beyond the classroom, something so natural to Pearce, is why her presence at Campo will be missed.

In the end, retirement came down to family. “I’m a grandmother now, and my granddaughter is coming to the bay area…and now she’s going to be nearby, and I’m going to help out.”

Although transitions are unpredictable, when reflecting on her future plans, Pearce’s tone was assured. “I’m going to travel more,” she said, “I’m going to do more swims. I’m going to spend more time with my parents, who are very old and won’t be here much longer, and I’m going to spend as much time as I can with my granddaughter.”

When asked if she had any final message for the Campo community, Pearce kept it simple: “Go Cougs!”