Jan Krell has retired as an English teacher from Bob Jones High School. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Jan Krell has retired from Bob Jones High School but always will remember her students.

“I met the most interesting students from all over the world. I still keep in touch with many of them. I love living vicariously through them and sharing their wonderful experiences after high school,” Krell said.

“Watching them grow, mature and make their way into the world brings me great pleasure,” she said. “I will miss seeing dreams come true for some of the most outstanding young people imaginable.”

Krell most recently taught advanced-placement and honors English 12. Before teaching, Krell worked as a financial consultant in the brokerage business about 20 years.

A teacher who influenced Krell was Dolly Davis, who taught in Huntsville City Schools and attended Krell’s church. “When I left the business world to become an educator, she took me under her wing and became my mentor. Dolly gave me much encouragement and advice during those early years,” Krell said.

“I don’t think I would have been as successful without her. She passed away over eight years ago, and I still miss her so much,” Krell said. “I’ll be forever grateful for her wonderful sense of humor and friendship.”

To her successor, Krell recommends “to do it your way. Teaching is a very individualized occupation, and no two people teach the same way. Listen to everyone’s advice, but chose your own path.”

She has lived in Huntsville for 37 years but is a Scottsboro native, where most of her family still lives. “We get together on the river very often,” Krell said.

She and her husband own a 12-year-old golden retriever, Bella, and a tuxedo cat, 21. She devotes most of her time to her geriatric animals, supporting Auburn University and helping her husband complete their home’s renovation.

After 20 years of teaching, Krell has re-claimed her life. “I love the quiet of my space in this world. I’m enjoying every second of it. My goal is to find joy in every day,” she said.