Hyla Stories
Kris Van Gieson retires from teaching
March 25, 2016
With tremendous gratitude in our hearts for his long career at Hyla, we announce Kris Van Gieson’s retirement from teaching. Just as you would expect, Kris is already helping us through this transition with words of wisdom about change. For all who know and love him – and there are so very many of you – please take a moment to read his thoughtful letter to the Hyla community, and stay tuned for information about a celebration to honor his years of service to Hyla.
Dear Hyla Families,
I want to let you know that after twenty-one years at Hyla, this will be my last year of teaching. I feel a strong mix of sadness about leaving and a sense of satisfaction from being so connected to this place and its people through all these years. This was especially evident last week as I felt the support of the students and the Hyla community in light of my brother’s passing. That meant a lot to me. Teaching is relational work so there is no year in which I could leave easily. I have truly enjoyed teaching this fine group of students this year, which makes it all the more challenging to leave.
While the news of my decision may feel sudden, I’ve been considering this change for quite a while. Teaching requires a particular type of dedication and energy and frankly I have less of that type of energy than I used to. Though teaching just four days a week this year has helped immensely, I’ve realized that I can no longer teach the way that I want while maintaining a healthy balance in the rest of my life.
I feel extremely fortunate to have been part of Hyla. I’ve watched a generation of young people explore, stumble, learn, and soar their way through these amazing years of growth and change. Every day I witness the effects of supportive parents on the lives of these fortunate kids. I’m grateful to have worked with such a creative, dedicated, and dynamic group of colleagues. I feel uniquely lucky to have been given the freedom to develop the Human Relations class. I deeply appreciate working at a school that dedicates such a significant portion of the curriculum towards personal growth and group development.
I don’t know exactly what’s next for me. I’ve been either a student or a teacher for 45 of my 56 years and I’ve worked with kids since I was a teenager myself. I’m interested in trying something new. I feel particularly drawn to working with my hands and making things. I would love to become a woodworker. I’ve already got a few painting jobs lined up for the summer and a few friends in the construction business that I may be able to help out. I’m curious to see what unfolds in the next chapter of my life.
Change can be challenging. We often think that something shouldn’t change or we worry that it won’t be as good as it ever was. Whenever someone else left the school I always thought that Hyla wouldn’t be the same without them. And yes this place does change each time someone leaves and someone else takes their place but there seems to be something in the DNA of Hyla, some essential spirit of this place that allows Hyla to continue to find great new people and still stay the same at our heart. I’m fortunate to have been part of that.
I trust that the school will continue to thrive in new and interesting ways. I hope to find ways to stay in touch and continue to support Hyla. And I know I will miss the lively energy that these young people bring to life each day. In the meantime, I plan to enjoy the rest of this school year with this fine group of people.
Kris