Final Countdown: 2025-26 Retiring School Employee
Name of Teacher / Employee: Colette Dubas
School District: Logan-Magnolia
How Many Years at School District: 25
What Jobs / Roles have you served at the District: 7-12 Special Education Coordinator; Student Council sponsor; Quiz Bowl Assistant; Driver.
Things you enjoyed most about your job: What I enjoyed most was building meaningful relationships with students and watching them grow— academically, in confidence, independence, and self-advocacy. I valued being able to help them recognize their strengths and overcome challenges. I also enjoyed collaborating with families and colleagues to create supports that made a real difference.
Best part about working at the School District: The best part of being at LO-MA was the staff—the relationships, collaboration, and sense of teamwork. Working alongside dedicated colleagues who supported students and one another made even challenging days rewarding. The friendships and shared commitment to helping students succeed are what I value most.”
What will you miss the most: I will miss the friendships the most—the connections with colleagues who became like family, the shared laughter and support through challenges, and the relationships with students that made every day meaningful.
Advice to incoming teachers, employees: Advice I would give new teachers is to build relationships first—with students, colleagues, and families—because those connections are at the heart of your work. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and lean on those around you; teaching is truly a team effort. Give yourself grace, stay flexible, and focus on progress rather than perfection. The work will be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding.
Any idea what you'll be doing next fall when everyone returns back to school:
When everyone heads back to school in the fall, I will be spending time with my grandchildren, enjoying a good book, and maybe improving my golf game.
