The kindergarten teacher who couldn’t stay retired

LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — Carolyn Nabours began her 40th year of teaching in August at the Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy.

Nabours is a proud Southwest Louisiana native, and hails from Jennings. After graduating from Jennings High School, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s of Arts in Education for grades kindergarten through 8 from McNeese State University.

Upon graduation, Nabours began teaching her “dream grade level,” Kindergarten, at Welsh Elementary. She then went on to teach kindergarten at College Oaks Elementary and Royal Independent in Pattison, Texas.

After moving back to Lake Charles, she spent 12 years teaching at Barbe Elementary. There she taught kindergarten for 10 years and first grade for two years. She also taught kindergarten for some time at Lebleu Settlement Elementary before retiring from the Calcasieu Parish School Board system.

However, she didn’t stop there. After retiring, Nabours spent one year teaching at the Lake Charles Charter Academy and seven years teaching at Holy Family Catholic School.

Currently, she teaches kindergarten at the Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy. This is where she has been for the last two years.

Nabours’ inspiration to become a teacher came from the encouragement of her loved ones, especially her mother.

“I got started teaching with the love and support of my family,” she said. “My wonderful mother inspired me when I was young watching her give swimming lessons to children with special needs.”

Through witnessing her mother’s compassion, Nabours felt drawn to working with children. “I saw her love and patience with the children and how they loved her back.”

Throughout her 40 years of teaching, she has found that she derives the most joy when her students show joy after learning a new skill. “I enjoy watching...