Retired Tennessee educator Glenda Akin has not only witnessed significant historical events but has now etched her own mark in history.
Akin, aged 84, has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-serving female teacher at a single school.
Reflecting on her achievement, Akin expressed her deep passion for her job, stating, “I cherished my role. Each day, going to school was a joy for me.”
With her entire family no longer around, Akin found solace in the school community, which gradually became her extended family.
‘Dedication to Education Throughout Life’
Prior to retiring in the previous year, Akin dedicated 61 years and 43 days of service at Westmoreland High School, transitioning from a teacher to a librarian.
Surpassing the longevity of Guinness’s longest-serving male educator, Paul Durietz, who spent 54 years and 61 days at Woodland School in Gurnee, Illinois by October 2024.
A remarkable anecdote shared by Akin involves observing one of her students evolve into a teacher at the same institution, retiring a full decade before her.
Westmoreland High School’s Facebook page commemorated Akin’s achievement by stating, “Ms. Akin’s enduring commitment to education has influenced numerous generations of students, leaving an indelible legacy in our school and community.”
Akin expressed surprise at the widespread attention she received following the news release by Westmoreland. Initially anticipating only the school community’s acknowledgment, she was amazed by its global reach.
Evolution of Technology and Literary Challenges
Over her extensive tenure, Akin, known as Ms. Akin within the school, guided numerous student cohorts through dynamic social and technological transformations.
Born on December 7, 1941, coinciding with the Pearl Harbor attack, Akin commenced her teaching career in 1963, shortly before the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy.
From witnessing the integration of computers into the educational landscape to the influx of students with smartphones, Akin highlighted the ongoing debate in schools regarding smartphone usage.
Expressing her opinion on the matter, Akin suggested that students should refrain from using smartphones during school hours.