Name: Gerry Alterbaum

School: Yorktown High School

Retiring: End of 2011-2012 school year

This high school social studies teacher is a real Yorktown local.

A resident of the town and an employee of the school district for 28 years, Gerry Alterbaum said she has really “grown up” here—raising her family and pursuing her career. The retiring teacher who is originally from Long Island, attended Adelphi University and got her Master’s degree in education in Buffalo, New York.

Patch: How does it feel for this to be your last year teaching at Yorktown High School?

Gerry Alterbaum: I started as a permanent substitute teacher, then went part-time, and eventually full-time. It has been a great experience and I feel that I have evolved a lot in my career and as a person.

I can say that my own kids who went through the district, both graduated from college and have good jobs—so we have all grown up here and had good experiences in the Yorktown schools.

Patch: What have the students taught you?

GA: They have always taught me to have a sense of humor. I have learned to be understanding and compassionate about where these teenagers are in their lives, and what is important to them. I learn a lot from students; they constantly challenge you.

Patch: What are you looking forward to in retirement?

GA: Well, my husband recently retired, so we will spend more time together and both look forward to traveling. And my parents are still alive, so I will be happy to spend more time with them too. Of course, I won’t miss the alarm clock at 5 a.m.

Patch: What will you miss the most?

GA: I will certainly miss my colleagues and the kids. 

I would say to them: Continue forward, there is always a tomorrow and life goes on!

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