By Michelle Crean

From days of "chalk and talk" right through to today's modern and sophisticated technologies - one teacher has inspired thousands - but today (Friday) she officially closed her books after 43 years.

Marcia pictured in Croke Park after Kerry defeated Offaly 4-15 to 1-5 in the 1992 All-Ireland inter-county colleges football final.

After 43 years, teacher Marcia Kissane (nee Keane) who is described as "a brilliant teacher" and "highly respected" is leaving Killarney Community College (KCC) ready to take on a new life challenge.

From the moment she entered the old Tech in New Street in September 1979 she said she received a warm Killarney welcome.

"I felt and knew I had found my special work place," she told the Killarney Advertiser.

"For me, Killarney Community College is a place rich in experience where I have had the pleasure and privilege of knowing and working with the most wonderful people with students and colleagues."

In teaching, as in life, the one constant is change, she added.

She taught the old Group Cert and Inter Cert through to the latest modes of assessment in the new Junior and Leaving Certificates.

Marcia also made GAA history in May 1992 as a selector on the Kerry VEC football team that won the All-Ireland inter-county series. She was the first female selector in an all-male management team to win an All-Ireland inter-county football final at Croke Park.

"I have wonderful memories of coaching and organising athletes, cross country, ladies football ad reaching All-Ireland glory with Kerry Vocational school. Teaching has been a life-changing journey. I have enjoyed so much teaching both with my favourite subjects Geography, Maths and Irish. I have experienced fun and laughter, joy and sorrow, love and acceptance, hope and despair, community and commitment. I love my students and I have been blessed and challenged by them as I have accompanied them on their school journeys. My special interest has been the Leaving Certificate Applied and watching the progress of these students over the years is one of the most gratifying experiences in teaching."

GRATITUDE

"I feel immense gratitude and appreciation for all the wonderful staff members it has been my honour and privilege to work with. I thank them for their generous sharing of expertise, skills, resources and knowledge but most of all for their love, kindness, understanding and non-judgemental acceptance," she added.

"I leave in the knowledge that Killarney Community College is led and guided by professional, compassionate, caring people. KCC is a wonderful place of teaching and learning but most of all a place of valuing and affirmation of each and every unique individual in the community."

And being a life long learner Marcia is planning further study in the area of human relationships and plans to give parenting courses.

"I believe parenting is rocket science and that knowledge and support are needed in this most precious of human endeavours. Thank you to Stella and Eilish and everyone in KCC and to my family, Ted, Cathy and Elaine."