SHE may have been a teacher for more than three decades but Marilyn Gardner certainly has no intention of leaving school.
The popular physical education teacher has taught at Mossgiel Park Primary School in Endeavour Hills since 1987, teaching sport for the past 10 years.
Her love of children has seen her passion for teaching remain strong over the years and she has lost no enthusiasm for education.
This is despite taking up her first teaching post some 32 years ago.
The 55-year-old said she had no plans to retire which will be good news for the many parents, students and teaching staff who have benefited from her hard work and dedication.
Her energetic attitude towards teaching was recognised recently when the Narre Warren North local was nominated for a National Excellence in Teaching Award (NEiTA) People’s Choice award.
Ms Gardner said she felt very honoured to be nominated for the award as there were many fantastic teachers at the school who were equally deserving.
She said she found teaching very rewarding and it was fantastic to see children achieve, and improve their physical skills in her classes.
Ms Gardner said Mossgiel Park ran a very good and well-supported sports program with students competing and achieving much success in numerous competitions.
“I probably should retire but I would like to teach a bit longer.
“I really still enjoy it,” she said.
Ms Gardner said her students had also been very happy with her nomination.
“The kids were fantastic. When they found out a lot came up and congratulated me. It was lovely,” she said.