Marilyn Ruddy is 75 years old and has been working in education for over 30 years. For the past 15 years she has been a substitute teacher in the school district. She is a fan favorite substitute, that many students have had at least once in their high school career. Ruddy enjoys showing her students her tricks, especially the ring trick. Her energy and kindness is unmatched in the school.
Tess Radecke is the substitute coordinator for the high school. She has gotten to know Ruddy throughout her subbing career. Radecke knows that she is able to rely on her to brighten a students day and bring energy within the school.
“She is compassionate, caring, very kind and is always smiling and in good spirits, especially first thing in the morning as our school starts very early,” Radecke explained.
Ruddy has been in education for a large portion of her life. Fifteen years ago she decided that she was going to retire from being a teacher and become a substitute. Recently, she moved to the high school only, and knows that this is where she wants to be subbing.
Ruddy explained how the high school is where she has decided to stay subbing and that she loves it here.
Working at the high school is something that brings joy to Ruddy every single day. The students make her day, make her smile and feel good everytime she is here.
If I did not enjoy subbing I wouldn’t be here, but I do enjoy it and it keeps me going,” Ruddy explained.
Ruddy believes that being a substitute teacher is her calling. The impact that she has made on the student body is something that does not go unseen.
“I like to tease them, make them laugh and feel important,” Ruddy explained.
She also expressed how she “has become a better person because of working with these students around the building.”
Mila Lobinsky is a sophomore who attends the high school. She has had Mrs. Ruddy as a substitute teacher multiple times and thoroughly enjoys her energy in the classroom.
“She is very energetic and enjoys to be there teaching, and you can see how much she loves to be with us,” Lobinsky expressed.
Ruddy is one of the most caring substitute teachers for her students. She is always making sure that kids are having a good day because of the impact the school has had on her.
“My daughters went to this school a long time ago, and I just love it dearly,” Ruddy explained.
During class Ruddy enjoys to show the students her ring tricks. The idea of this is to be able to get the ring unattached from the string, when it is tied on through magic. Even though she may not always get it on the first try, she continues to persevere to show the students that you can accomplish anything you want.
“She does the ring trick to get kids excited to be in class and like it just brings the energy up and even though sometimes she doesn’t get it on the first try, she keeps going until she gets it,” Lobinsky explained.
Although some believe that this will be Ruddy’s last year teaching, she is planning on returning to sub at the high school again next year. She explained how passionate she is about teaching at the high school, and that she loves it compared to grade school.
Ruddy is a caring substitute at the high school who pours her energy and kindness into each and every student here. She makes everyone feel important and that they deserve to be here. There are many students who have had the opportunity to have her as a substitute teacher, and see just how special of a person that she is.
