With a husband in the military, Spanish teacher Madeline Rodriguez has taught all over the world.

“[I am going to miss] the students,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez has been teaching for over 30 years with 27 of those being in Georgia. Rodriguez taught for one year in New Jersey, three years in Germany, and at Booth Middle School. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from the University of Puerto Rico, and also completed some German course work in Austin, Texas.

In addition, she completed 30 credit hours in school counseling in New Jersey, a degree in education from Rider College in New Jersey, and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction of technology at Grand Canyon University. She also earned a Spanish teaching certification, which includes 18 hours of master’s level courses at Georgia State University.

Originally, Rodriguez majored in science. Teaching was her second job. Her first job was as a dietitian.

“I don’t think that learning has an end to it,” Rodriguez said.

After retirement, Rodriguez is going to continue teaching Spanish at Georgia Military College. Rodriguez also plans on coming back to substitute teach on occasion.

Rodriguez wants her legacy to be that she was a great teacher, but made learning fun, not stressful.

Starr’s Mill gives a warm goodbye to Madeline Rodriguez for her service and dedication to the Panther family.