Patricia Neeper

Glen Rose School District

Patricia Neeper retired from the Glen Rose School District after 36 years.

She mentioned that she has wanted to be a teacher since she was a child.

“I always pretended I was teaching when I was growing up. I loved reading and becoming an English teacher and librarian was a natural fit,” she said.

After graduating from Glen Rose High School, Neeper obtained a bachelor’s degree at Henderson State University. She later attended graduate school and completed her gifted and talented certification at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock.

Neeper taught English for 21 years before becoming a librarian.

“Not only am I the media specialist at the high school, I am the high school test coordinator, ACSIP coordinator, parent involvement coordinator, advanced placement coordinator and GT coordinator (7-12),” she said. “So my day consists of assisting students and working with data and completing reports. I organize the AP tests for the district and assist with GT/Pre-AP by helping provide materials for teachers to utilize. I have been on the English department PLC team and the high school leadership team for the last few years. We analyze test scores, look at curriculum and make suggestions to the staff for anything from facilities, conferences, materials, testing to multiple other things.”

She said the students are her favorite part of being a teacher.

“My years as a teacher have been fun and I have so many fond memories. I love all my ‘kids’ and still enjoy seeing them and watching them succeed in the world and seeing them with families. I have had the pleasure of having more than one generation now. Glen Rose is near and dear to my heart. I can't imagine being anywhere else. I grew up here and have loved watching our school grow and being involved with families in the community,” she said.

She and her husband, married in 1982.

They have two children: Stephen (Anna) Neeper and Zeke.

During her retirement, Neeper said she hopes to travel and relax along with spending more time with her three grandchildren: Devyn, Marshall and Ivy.

“I will be able to attend events for the grandkids and take them and pick them up some from school. I am a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and love to take the grandkids with me to church, bible school, AWANA and other events,” she said.

She also plans to exercise more along with working in the yard and completing home improvement projects.

Her two sons have a band called Stephen Neeper and the Wildhearts. She also hopes to be able to attend more of their shows.