A retirement open house was held Monday at West Elementary to celebrate Elaine Galeazzi’s 44 years of teaching in Knoxville. 

Galeazzi started her career teaching art within the district, but then went on to teach kindergarten, a role she maintained for 39 years. Galeazzi moved to Knoxville herself when she was in third grade and has lived in the community ever since. The longtime teacher says she has a passion for the Knoxville district and was always dedicated to her teaching career. 

“44 years is quite a few years but I’ve enjoyed every part of it. It’s been fun. I once was told if you enjoy what you’re doing the time goes fast and it sure has.”

Galeazzi says she loves the relationships and connections she has built with former and current students, and she always wants to instill the message of being kind to the kids.

“Just be kind. That’s what I tell each kid. Treat others the way you want to be treated and just be kind. A lot of the kids I still see have that in their hearts and I like that.”

Galeazzi says she had so many great teachers when she was growing up, and she just wanted to carry on the tradition.