“The students keep you young,” Mrs. Noreen Hebert stated with a smile on her face as she made her way through the last days of her working career. The cooking teacher of 35 years, working at both SHS and Gates Intermediate, opened up about her experience teaching students. Over the course of her career, Hebert taught thousands of students how to cook a variety of different dishes, ranging from regional favorites to international cuisines.

When asked if her retirement is a time of sadness or celebration, Hebert responded by saying it is both. Although Hebert revealed that having the opportunity to teach and learn with students would be the one thing she misses most about working, she made it clear that she wants to “spend time with young people.” She also made note that she “wants to continue to work with special needs kids.” Being able to collaborate with kids is very important to her and one of the reasons she enjoyed her teaching career.  

“I just feel it’s time,” Hebert responded, as to why she chose to retire this year. Although she won’t be able to wake up very early and go through the same daily routine, Hebert is very excited about her future plans. In January of 2017, Hebert and her daughter Theresa are taking their own personal vacation to England and France. “We actually were just looking at flights the other day,” Hebert stated with a smirk on her face. They want to visit “basic attractions tourists see,” including the Eiffel Tower.

Spending her teaching years here in Scituate has been unforgettable, according to Hebert, as she offered a wise piece of advice: “You have to be a lifelong learner to be a teacher.” In the future, Hebert said she might even consider a move from the town of Scituate. “I am always ready for a great adventure,” she said, as she shared her thoughts and perspective. Hebert said she wanted to “thank the school program for letting me teach in this district for so long,” but she feels it’s time for her to move on with her life — wherever the next adventure leads her.