Linda Picciotto, South special education teacher, retired at the end of 2020. Picciotto had always considered becoming a teacher, and her bright spirit and love of students made her a great one.

Picciotto realized that she wanted to be a teacher as a young adult, explaining “as a young child the only female professionals I was exposed to were teachers, nurses and secretaries.  My mother, along with all my aunts were homemakers, where my physician, dentist, and others were all male.” She essentially believed that women could only be the jobs listed above, as that is all she was exposed to. But once she entered the classroom, she realized that teaching was the right career for her, “In middle school I became a teacher’s helper to the younger grades. I was pulled out of class to read stories to the first and second graders, helped students with class projects and decorated bulletin boards. It was during that time when I decided to choose teaching as my vocation.”

According to Picciotto, it was a very difficult decision to make to retire, as she had been at South for so long: “After 25 years of teaching I decided to retire this January.  My daughter needed childcare help and I felt compelled to help her family during this time. My emotions were certainly mixed and I especially did not want my students to believe I abandoned them.” Picciotto also stated that she had received a Bachelors in art, psychology, and teacher of the handicapped. She stated as a follow up, “I realized I had a strong passion for working with and educating children. I feel especially fortunate to have spent most of my teaching years at Middletown South. Each morning, when I arrived on campus, I experienced an overwhelming feeling of pride and joy.” Picciotto really loved and appreciated her job and working with the children.

Picciotto said that she will cherish and remember her time teaching at South. Seeing the students and all her colleagues was the highlight of her day: “I was happy to greet my students and colleagues and felt so fortunate to work in the Middletown School District. Witnessing throughout the years my student’s accomplishments was truly gratifying and something I will forever cherish.” Picciotto will miss working with her students and colleagues so much, and South will miss her, too.