Janie Morales got her start with Nacogdoches ISD 32 years ago, first serving as a paraprofessional in the classroom, before going to Stephen F. Austin State University to complete her teaching certification. Along the way, Morales continued to work during the day and studied at night to complete work on her degree.
Later this month, Morales will retire from Fredonia Early Childhood Center after working the last 24 years as a Pre-K teacher in the district.
She spent the longest period of time – 20 years – at Brooks-Quinn-Jones Elementary.
Morales said her principal at BQJ at the time – Frances Nations – convinced her to go to SFA to get a degree and become a classroom teacher.
“What a success story for NISD,” said Superintendent Dr. Gabriel Trujillo. “Ms. Morales has served this district well for 32 years, and she will be dearly missed.”