At the end of September, Southern Lehigh Spanish and ESL teacher Mrs. Megan Markwich made the decision to resign from her position. In her new position, she will be teaching Spanish to elementary students at Bethlehem Area School District.

“I’ll miss the connections I’ve made with my students,” she said, “but I love teaching little kids and would like to just focus on Spanish.”

Mrs. Markwich began her time at Southern Lehigh as a substitute teacher. After one year, she was hired to teach both Spanish and English as a Second Language (ESL) – a position in which she remained for the following seven years. 

The pursuit of language-learning has always been an important part of Mrs. Markwich’s life. As a child, her grandfather took the time to teach her Portuguese, which they often spoke together at home. It was during this time that Mrs. Markwich fell in love with the art of learning and teaching.

“I used to teach my stuffed animals with a blackboard and chalk,” she said. “I guess I just knew since I was five.”

Upon her resignation, Mrs. Markwich had sixty days notice until her last day at Southern Lehigh, with her departure to fall around the time of Thanksgiving. Despite the sudden nature of her resignation, the staff of Southern Lehigh were quick to wish her well during her journey.

“The administration was very supportive,” Mrs. Markwich said. “Mr. Miller wished me luck and congratulated me.”

Mrs. Markwich admitted that she will deeply miss all of the connections she has had the pleasure of making, with both her students and her fellow staff members. Though she must leave her students and colleagues behind, she wishes to leave them with a few words of advice:

“Just be yourself with your whole heart,” Mrs. Markwich said. “Those who love you for it will support you.”