At 102 Years Old, America's Oldest Teacher Is As Vivacious (And Adorable!) As Ever (2024)

And she has some wonderful advice on how to achievehappiness.

At 102 Years Old, America's Oldest Teacher Is As Vivacious (And Adorable!) As Ever (1)By Alexis Hobbs
At 102 Years Old, America's Oldest Teacher Is As Vivacious (And Adorable!) As Ever (2)At 102 Years Old, America's Oldest Teacher Is As Vivacious (And Adorable!) As Ever (3)

At 102 years old, Agnes Zhelesnikis not like many of her peers. Why? Still active and (fairly) independent for her age, shegoes to work every single day.Zhelesnik, who doctors say has the heart of a 40-year-old woman, teaches cooking and sewing to preschool and elementary-aged students at The Sundance School in North Plainfield, NJ.

Equally impressive, Zhelesnik didn't even startworking at the schooluntil she was 80, after her daughter, who is an art teacher at the same school, suggested she help out in the cafeteria. And after a life spent as a housewife, shewas all too excited to accept an open position as the home economics teacherlater on.

'Granny,' the nickname she goes by at school, loves her job as much as when she started working. "I just love it here...They're going to use [what I teach them]for the rest of their lives. They're not going to have it just for today," she said toThe 74 Millioneducation group.She also goesabove and beyond her job duties to ensure the best for her kids. She hand-sewsaprons for all of theyoungsters, for instance, andhas even created costumes for their school plays in the past.

Zhelesnik, who gets driven to work by her daughter, is beloved by fellow teachers and students alike. "Granny is a beam of light, this gentle strength and warmth that emanates from her at all times. We have this incredible opportunity to be in her presence and to be able to learn from her," says W.J. O'Reilly, the school's principal.

With no plans of retiring anytime soon, Zhelesnik sharedher simple but profound secret to her long career—happiness. "This is happiness for me. I don't get tired when I'm happy."

[viaGoodNewsNetwork.org

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At 102 Years Old, America's Oldest Teacher Is As Vivacious (And Adorable!) As Ever (2024)

FAQs

At 102 Years Old, America's Oldest Teacher Is As Vivacious (And Adorable!) As Ever? ›

At 102 Years Old, America's Oldest Teacher Is As Vivacious (And Adorable!) As Ever. And she has some wonderful advice on how to achieve happiness. At 102 years old, Agnes Zhelesnik is not like many of her peers.

What is the oldest age to be a teacher? ›

In conclusion, there's no age limit when it comes to becoming a teacher.

How old is Agnes Zhelesnik? ›

Teacher Agnes Zhelesnik, 102, photographed with The Sundance School's head of school, W J O'Reilly.

Who was the first teacher to ever live? ›

Actually, many people believe that Confucius was the first teacher in the world, but no one can know for sure. So, while it is hard to know exactly who was the first teacher ever or who taught the first teacher, what is certain is that their legacy continues to inspire educators and learners throughout the world today.

Can a 90 year old be a teacher? ›

Teaching is one such career. A person is never too old to teach if he or she feels capable.

What is the age limit for teachers in the US? ›

There is no Federal age limit on teaching, and there is no mandatory federal retirement rule in education. Now, these rules can vary from state to state.

How old is a normal teacher? ›

10% have higher than a Master's Degree. 1% do not have a Bachelor's Degree. The average teacher is 42. The majority of teachers are between 30 and 49.

How old are teachers in Japan? ›

In Japan, teachers are, on average, 42 years old, which is lower than the average age of teachers across OECD countries and economies participating in TALIS (44 years old). Furthermore, 33% of teachers in Japan are aged 50 and above (OECD average 34%).

Who is the youngest teacher ever? ›

Shania Muhammad graduated college when she was 15. Growing up, Shania Muhammad said her "home was always built on the foundation of education." By the age of 15, she graduated from the University of Oklahoma, and by 16, she became the youngest teacher in the United States.

What is the longest time a teacher has worked? ›

Alaric P. Jacobs holds the record for the longest career as a teacher, with 72 years of service. He taught history and social studies in Florida from 1930 to 2002.

Who was the first black person to be a teacher? ›

Who Was the First Black Teacher in America? Susie King Taylor (1848-1912) was considered to be the first Black teacher in America because she taught freed African-American slaves in a freedom school in Georgia.

Which first lady was a teacher? ›

Abigail Powers Fillmore had first met husband President Millard Fillmore when he was her student, and as a teacher she had been the first First Lady to have held a job after marriage.

Who is the female teacher first? ›

Detailed Solution. The correct answer is Savitri Bai Phule. Savitri Bai Phule was an Indian social reformer, educationist and poetess from Maharashtra. She was the first woman teacher in India in 1848.

Is there an age limit for teachers in the US? ›

There is no Federal age limit on teaching, and there is no mandatory federal retirement rule in education. Now, these rules can vary from state to state.

Who is the most famous teacher in America? ›

Anne Sullivan

She is famous for being a teacher of Helen Keller, a deaf and blind girl. Anne became her educator and eventually a friend. Being visually impaired herself, Sullivan knew what the girl was experiencing. It allowed her to choose special teaching techniques to help Hellen communicate with the world.

Who is the longest serving teacher in the world? ›

Paul Durietz, 76, has set a Guinness World Record for the world's longest teaching career. Mr. Durietz got his first teaching job at Woodland Middle School in 1970, and has been teaching there ever since. Above, an older picture of Mr.

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