Six familiar faces will no longer be at Mountain Brook Junior High when school returns this month. These longtime educators retired at the end of May. The combination of their years spent at the school totals more than 150. These teachers have made an impact in many areas including academics, athletics and overall community with both students and parents alike.
Jennifer Bartlett truly can call herself a Spartan. She attended MBJH as a student and then taught both at MBHS for five years and at MBJH for 32 years. As a teacher, her subjects included electives, home economics, interior design, computer science and math. She was also a sponsor for cheerleading along the way. She remembers during a phase of construction being placed in the old gym with about 20 of her fellow teachers for their classroom time.
Bartlett was most influenced by Dr. George Ann Parker, a teacher at MBJH when she was a student. Madame Parker, as she was known, became a mentor for Bartlett years later when she began her own career teaching.
“Her wisdom, insight, guidance and love of teaching continue to be valued,” Bartlett said.
The teachers that were a part of her time at MBJH are a very dedicated group and she is appreciative of the time they spent together, she said.
Marjory Cooper taught special education at MBJH for 24 years. When asked about a special memory, she says that “each special memory involves a struggling student who finally realized that he or she could be successful. Watching a student make this discovery is uplifting.” Her family has been an inspiration to her, especially her mother and grandmother who were also teachers. She is looking forward to spending more time with her family, including sailing with her husband.
Donna Gardner has been a part of MBJH for 24 years. She has been at all grade levels during that time, but spent the last 15 teaching seventh grade. She recalled a time a few years ago when some teachers decided to do a “cocoa and cram” session before exams on a cold Sunday afternoon. Many students and teachers came to the school, and they split up all over the library and top floor of the building. Parents brought hot chocolate and treats. Gardner said she is looking forward to teaching at Samford University and continuing her connection with Mountain Brook. She says that “teaching is a gift and it should not be taken lightly. Always learn about your students. We never know what might be going on in their lives.”
Coach Greg Morrow covered the Spartan athletic realm for 37 years including physical education, football and basketball. He also served as assistant athletic director. The students and athletes over the years have given him many special memories along with his fellow coaches and teachers. When asked about who influenced him most as a coach and teacher, he mentioned his mother and former high school coaches. There are many students and athletes who would also say that Coach Morrow has both inspired and influenced them over the years. Upon retirement, Morrow is looking forward to spending time with his new grandson and awaiting the arrival of his granddaughter this summer.
