For Ann Rhines, Education a Lifelong Passion

Here's an example of how much education and Ann Rhines have been connected: When she retired a fifth-grade teacher at in 2001, after teaching in the Morris School District since 1962, she said her family was worried about her. What would she do?

Their initial concerns turned out to be unfounded, since Rhines, running for re-election to the Board of Education Tuesday, has found plenty to do. And, yes, much of it remains involved in education.

Can you blame her? "This is my 50th year with Morristown students," the Morris Township resident said as she prepared to run for her third three-year term on the Board. "It's a real passion of mine. It's obvious, but I'm a real cheerleader."

Rhines, the only former educator presently on the nine-member Board, began her tenure in the District teaching at Alfred Vail. She taught at Alexander Hamilton for 20 years before retiring. "I taught the grandchildren of some of my original students," she noted.

But, that wasn't her first taste of teaching. It pretty much began from the beginning. 

"My mother told the story of when I came home from Kindergarten, I said I wanted to be a teacher," Rhines said. "I always played 'School,' and I always had to be the teacher.

"I always, always wanted to teach. I never remember wanting to do anything else," she said.

Following her retirement, Rhines joined the Morris Educational Foundation and, eventually, was encouraged to run for the Board of Education, where she presently chairs the curriculum committee. 

What does she miss about not being in the classroom? "The kids," Rhines said. "There's something about seeing bright eyes look at you and feel happy about learning, and excited about learning."

But, it was the kids that compelled Rhines to step away from full-time teaching 11 years ago, as her grandchildren were in Houston and "I wanted to visit for more than a weekend," she said. "But, I wouldn't stay out of school."

In addition to her time on the Board of Education and MEF, Rhines has been tutoring, including currently a tutor through the Frelinghuysen Middle School Literacy Volunteer program. She is also a member of the state committee on standards and assessments, representing Morris County.

For Rhines, it's a pleasure to be able to continue to do what she has considered her lifelong passion, even after retirement. 

"To do what you want since a child, I feel very lucky in that respect," she said.