Sue Wright has always heard other teachers say, “When it’s time to retire, you’ll know.”After 40 years of teaching at the same building, the high school in the Wright City School District, Wright is now saying, “It’s time.”“It’s hard, but it’s time,” she said. “I’ve loved it and I love it, but I need to pass this along so somebody else can enjoy it.”She added, playfully, “I always said I didn’t want to go out a crabby teacher.”Wright can’t recall a day in her career when she woke up not wanting to go to school. When she sees a student spark with understanding and succeed, “It’s all worth it.”Wright teaches science, mostly biology classes, and also coaches track and field and cross country. When the all-weather track was built, it was named in her honor. The naming was a surprise, and also one of the highlights of her life.Current and former students often poke their heads into her classroom to say hello or give her mischief.“You’re not supposed to have favorites, but you have kids who make a difference in your life,” Wright said. “The heartstrings are pulled when they come back to see you after they’ve graduated. It’s priceless.”Wright has lived in Wright City for most of her career and she plans to stay after retirement. She went to high school in Webster Groves, where she had an inspiring science teacher. She earned her degree from Missouri State University and went straight into teaching.Her first, and last, full-time teaching job was for Wright City High School.“I went to a big school and I wanted to teach in a small school,” she said. “I decided it’s nice to know everybody. I wanted more for the kids in Wright City. I wanted more for the kids in small schools.”Wright is no pushover. She has high expectation and sets boundaries.“I tell my students, there are no rules if you understand respect,” she said.Another thing she tells her students is that she is a pencil and paper kind of teacher. Her students work on computers, but they will likely spend more time on them with their next science teacher.In her retirement Wright will spend time with family, travel and play golf.“I want to do things before I can’t,” she said.When she is ready she said will still teach in some way. She has an interest in teaching positions at the St. Louis Zoo, the Warren County Health Department, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Special Olympics.“I’m not one to sit,” Wright said. “I have to be active.”While she has organized the run for Strassenbash in Wright City for many years, she won’t this year. Instead, she will be enjoying a less hot and humid summer in Michigan.In her final months at school, Wright said the tears and goodbyes have already started. As the last day gets closer, she finds herself taking in the advice she gives trepidatious seniors.“You’re graduating and stepping into a new environment ­— enjoy it,” she said.Wright is the longest-serving teacher retiring from the district this year. Sandy Christopher, Dale Corder, Sally Stever and Carla Woods are all retiring this year as well.

Sue Wrigth is retiring after 40 years of teaching and coaching at Wright City High School. Record photo/ Kate Miller.