The ringing of the bell, the clamor of students, the squeaking of the marker on the whiteboard, the typing on the computer. The common sounds teachers hear at the high school on a day-to-day basis will end after this school year for English teachers Jim and Karin Cowger.

Jim and Karin Cowger have worked at Ankeny for 27 years, so their leaving has a profound effect on the school staff and students.

“Mr. Cowger is so silly but has a deep understanding of the content he teaches, so he makes [learning] more fun,” a student in J. Cowger’s third period English 10 class, sophomore Finley Hyde said.

Leaving a job you love brings all sorts of mixed emotions, from sadness to great anticipation for what’s next, especially leaving an environment the Cowgers have been in for such a long period of time. Strong relationships and rituals have been made, so it’s not easy to leave that.

“[Leaving brings me] a bit of relief but also some sadness, I’m leaving some of my favorite colleagues. I love the people I work with, and I love the students,” said K. Cowger.

“I’m excited to see what the next chapter of my life holds.” J. Cowger said.

Teaching is a job that requires a certain passion and love to be able to enjoy. Although teachers love their students, as time goes on, it’s a very energy-consuming and demanding job.

“[Students] aren’t what’s pushing me out the door, I’m just tired.” K. Cowger said.

Retirement offers the opportunity to finally rest and do what you want to do with your time. The Cowgers are excited about traveling and picking up hobbies they haven’t had time for in the past.

“I want to spend some time reading books that I want to read,” K. Cowger said.

As the Cowgers started their career, K. Cowger has always felt really drawn to teaching ever since she was a little girl.

“I remember asking to be a teacher while blowing out my birthday candles on my birthday cake in 3rd grade,” said K. Cowger

J. Cowger, on the other hand, just happened to try it out.

“I was never one of those who were destined [for teaching]. I just thought I would give teaching a try, and I enjoyed it, so I continued doing it,” J. Cowger said.

The Cowgers have had so much time to have great memories from teaching.

“I think my favorite memories are the ones where I was able to help a student in a way outside of the classroom,” J. Cowger said.

Both Cowgers want students to feel comfortable and welcome in their classrooms and to provide a safe place to learn.

“I’d like to think I bring respect [to my classroom], being responsible for the effects of decision making, and I’m pretty laid back.” J. Cowger said.

Legacies have been left at AHS with the Cowgers leaving, and they truly care about how they made others feel in their time here. Congratulations to the Cowgers and best of luck in retirement.

“[I hope students remember that] I was fair and that I cared,” K. Cowger said.