This fall, visual arts teacher Joyce McClements came out of retirement and returned to SCHS to fill in for Megan Miniello, who is on leave of absence.  With her temporary teaching assignment due to end this month, The Roar caught up with McClements to learn more about her 30-year career in teaching.

Q:What’s your most memorable teaching experience?

A: My most memorable experiences are when I’m getting into my car or walking somewhere or at the mall, and I will hear a voice yelling “MRS. MCCLEMENTS!” and I turn to see one of my former students who introduces me to their wife or kids. It really makes me feel like I’m not one of those teachers that kids see and think “ugh. Its old Mrs. McClements.”

Q: What’s your favorite part about teaching at Santa Clara?

A: Connecting with kids and igniting that desire to learn. About three years ago, they voted me most inspiring in the yearbook. To me, they couldn’t have said anything nicer than that. My goal is to inspire kids, to help them realize who they are and be all that they can be.

Q:Why did you retire?

A: I was the video production teacher and I was at school everyday from 7:15 until 6:30-7:00. I was exhausted and there was a lot of trouble between the schools and the school board. I also retired to pursue my painting, because I’m a pretty serious artist.

Q: Did you miss teaching here?

A: Very much, I found myself trying to teach concepts to little children, even to dogs. I also just really miss the kids. I think after this job is over and Miss Miniello comes back, I’m gonna try to find a part time job somewhere like a couple periods a day.

Q: How long did you teach? And how long have you taught at Santa Clara?

A:  In total I’ve taught about 30 years and I taught at Santa Clara for 12 or 13 years. While I was at SCHS, I taught ceramics, photography, video production, and painting, Mr. Woodman was my student teacher actually.

Q: Is Santa Clara the same as you left it?

A: Yes and no, I like the changes that have happened at SCHS. I think Mr. Shelby is doing a good job. He’s very concerned about getting kids of all ethnic backgrounds as much opportunity as possible. And our number of AP classes and kids in them has really gone up, and the school and quad have been remodeled. But overall, the atmosphere is the same.