Nancy Handley retired from Miami Lakes Educational Center (MLEC) ending a huge chapter in her life and in the lives of countless students.
“Work is not work if you love what you do,” said Handley, a phrase that has defined her career, spanning 44 years in the classroom. Handley began her teaching career as a home economics teacher, then worked as a health teacher and then a physical education “drillmaster.” The common denominator? Not only did she impact students’ lives, she worked hard to instill the importance of health – physical and emotional.
“You guys should be grateful,” said Juliane Ramos, one of Handley’s former students, who stopped by to visit her on her last day as a teacher. “This is the same lady that got me in shape. I used to be so lazy. All those days of hard working insanity, running the mile, crunches,” she said, addressing the class.
“A few years ago Nancy Handley started an MLEC fitness club, and invited teachers and faculty to join her and walk, jog or run for an hour after school. She always led the way, she could run circles around people half her age,” said Helena Castro, MLEC activities director.
Not only did Handley help students achieve their physical potential, she even taught them how to dance. Teaching the boys and girls key rhythms to mastering dances like salsa and bachata.
“She was fun, always encouraging us in all aspects,” said Nicole Quintana, a tenth grader in the Communications and Entertainment academy.
She took pride in this, along with the ability to make her high school students active. Handley has always valued her own personal strength and she promises to “walk five miles every morning” which she has done as long as she can remember. Even though Handley is retiring from teaching, she is not planning on retiring from her healthy and fit lifestyle.
So, what is next?
Although Handley treasures all of the memories and the fulfillment that spans her long, fruitful career, she is glad that she can finally realize her dreams of traveling around the world and 2015 is her year. She plans a move back home to Houston, Texas, where her beloved family and most friends still live, and throw a pajama party with her graduate school friends.
“Then in April I’m going to travel to Paris, Dubai, and then Hawaii in August.”
Handley will continue to walk, run, jog and dance – only, she won’t be confined to a curriculum or a high school gym.
“She was a disciplinarian, always at work and dependable. Sometimes we danced to salsa in class. I will miss her but she was ready to move into another chapter in her life.” said Gene Williams, Physical Education faculty at MLEC.
Handley's students rewarded her with a standing ovation as she exited her final teaching period. She replied with a sincere smile and said she will cherish all the memories she had at MLEC.
The mile runs around the bus loop, the countless burpees, and the repetitive steps up and down bleachers will be just a few of the things that students at MLEC will remember her by, but especially for her dedication to them and amazing Zumba lessons.