Not many teachers can say they have worked in the profession for 40 years.

Vivian D. Young can.

After 40 years of teaching, all in Fayette County, Young will officially retire Friday, June 1.

She will remain in teaching, though, working as a part-time reading teacher at Whitewater Middle School, where she has been teaching full-time for all 16 years the school has been open.

She has taught reading at Whitewater Middle the last eight years. She also has taught English, and speech and drama at the school.

After graduating from LaGrange College, Young taught at Hood Avenue and Fayette elementary schools for a combined 24 years. When Fayette Elementary decided to go to a middle school concept, Young, based on her seniority, got to choose which middle school at which she could teach.

She chose Whitewater Middle, her final destination in a journey that has brought her immense gratification.

“The whole experience has been wonderful,” Young said. “I have made many lasting friendships, and I have worked with many wonderful teachers, administrators and support staff. My job has been great.”

Young decided to end her full-time teaching career because once a teacher has 40 years of experience in Georgia, they cannot receive more than 80 percent of their retirement payments.

When most teachers are asked why they got into the field, they usually say it’s because they want to make a difference in children’s lives, or it’s always been their dream.

Young’s reason for becoming a teacher is as unique as her effervescent personality.

“I wanted to be either a teacher or an actress or a nurse,” Young said. “I knew as a teacher I could be an actress and a nurse, all three.”

Young credits her ability to adapt to how teaching has changed over the years, particularly the reliance upon technology in the classroom, for her longevity in such a demanding, often-underappreciated profession.

“I’ve never been old-school,” Young said. “In the last 40 years, I’ve been flexible through all the changes. One of the biggest changes has been new technology.

“Technology has been awesome. I love my computer, which allows to me do many things, such as keep track of grades and stay organized.”

Her motto says it all: “Go with the flow.” She even has it engraved on pencils she hands out to her students and other people she meets.

“My motto has always been to go with flow,” Young said. “That’s just what I do. When people are down in the dumps, I give out the pencils.”

The most rewarding aspect of teaching, Young said, has been developing a special bond with her students.

“Being able to teach is an amazing gift,” Young said. “My students are my children. I have a wonderful rapport with them. It has been so great to work with so many great kids.”

Young, who has one daughter, Lawren, recently celebrated her 25-year wedding anniversary with her husband, Richard. Her husband bought her a lake house at Lake Lanier.

When Young finally decides to leave teaching, she’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere at her lake house. In the meantime, Young plans to remain in education for a while.

“Until I’m used up, I’ll stay,” Young said. “I love my job too much to leave.”

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