By Norah Kemp, BEAT reporter
BRUNSWICK, OH- Linda Romph, who retired from the Brunswick Schools on October 1st, was a fifth-grade teacher at Huntington Elementary School. But she wasn’t like that earlier. Romph was inspired by her 11th-grade teacher, Mrs. Vrable. Romph explained she felt inspired by her because “she was very passionate.”
Romph first started her teaching career at the Brunswick Middle School, as an (Emotional Disabilities) teacher. Then she taught ED at Huntington Elementary School. After that, she taught sixth grade for one year at Huntington Elementary School. For the rest of the time, she taught fifth grade.
Romph went to Bowling Green State University and Baldwin Wallace State University. She said she “had so many great professors who gave great advice.” She also explained that it took her 5 years to graduate, but she graduated with a quadruple major in three special education areas for grades K-12. She also said she got a regular education for grades 1-8.
Like most educators, Romph had to deal with the changing face of technology throughout her career. She said that “technology advances every year.” Romph explained her biggest reward is when kids said “oh I get it,” and another reward was meeting new kids. One of Romph's favorite memories from teaching is when the seniors come and visit her.
Romph always wanted to be a teacher. She said that she used to play school with her sisters and a couple of neighbors' kids all the time. She stated that she would always make up worksheets and write on the chalkboard. She loved their papers and even gave them a star if they did well.
Romph stated that she is “forever grateful that I got to do something I look forward to every day.” Reflecting on her career, she said she was very lucky to be part of students' journeys for over 32 years. She will cherish the memories forever.
Norah Kemp, Brunswick Middle School, is one of over fifty student “backpack journalists” (grades 6-12) in the award-winning BEAT Video Program. The program, celebrating its 25th year, is sponsored by Donut Land, Plum Creek Assisted Living Community, MODA Gifts, Scripps Howard Foundation and the Brunswick Rotary Club. Go to https://www.bcsoh.org/community/new-beat-site to learn more about the Program, or visit https://thebeat.viebit.com/?folder=ALL to view videos produced by the students.
PHOTOS: Romph and family.