Magistra’s Lessons Exceeded the Study of Language

It’s hard to comprehend how much the world has changed in the past 42 years, but if you peek into room 278 at Scituate High School, you’ll find one consistency: the beloved Latin teacher, Theresa Raymond. Working for Scituate Public Schools for the past fifteen years, with one of those at Gates and fourteen at SHS, Raymond will retire this year.

After she fell in love with the Latin language, Raymond became a teacher so she could share her passion with others. Raymond calls ancient figures her “friends,” and her mastery of the subject empowers students to feel she is truly sharing stories and information gained from close friendships.  

While this year marks the end of Raymond’s 42-year teaching career, her wisdom and compassion will continue to influence her students’ lives. In reflection, Raymond said her career path has touched so many lives–far beyond what she could have ever imagined–and she hopes her lessons echo in the hearts of her students for years to come–even rippling outward to people she’s never met.  

Raymond would like to be remembered for her dedication to her subject and her students. Stating she has “seen the light go on in someone’s eyes,” Raymond strove to exceed the standards of her responsibilities. Known for her thoughtfulness and caring spirit, Raymond taught her students how to express empathy. In particular, Raymond enjoyed presenting students with a sportula, a small gift basket, prior to their exams or during an especially difficult time in their lives. Senior Anna O’Connell recounted how Raymond expressed compassion when she missed school due to an illness: “She handed me a box with a note and a bracelet that I wear every day–she is very supportive.” O’Connell said, “When members of our class got sick, we made a sportula and sometimes we would bring it to their house.” Foreign Language Department Chairperson Kate Ciulla said, “She reminds me that, yes, our content is important, but more important than that is the well-being of our students.”

Raymond said she will drive away from Scituate High School with her red convertible top down and her favorite Beatles song playing, but she will be “crying her eyes out.”  For her, the last day of school will be a surreal and scary moment, but one that feels right. Never resting, she dedicated her career to helping others and cultivating an appreciation for the Latin language–an appreciation she had as a girl.

Raymond said she lost the meaning of relax, and she wants to relearn it during retirement. Her students are happy knowing she is finally getting the opportunity to help the person she puts second in her life–herself.  For Raymond, retirement means she will have time to compile and illustrate her personal poetry. She also looks forward to being with her husband and performing in their classic rock group. Most notably, she feels a “pull or call” to work in ministry, as she has a strong connection to religion. Raymond said she feels blessed, and she is ready to see how the next chapter in her life will unfold. “Deo Volente,” Raymond said, the Latin phrase meaning “God willing.”

Raymond is moving proudly into the next phase of her life, but she will never forget how she got here. With her signature smile, she remarked, “Just know that wherever I am, and whatever I am doing, I will always in my heart be so proud and happy to have been Magistra.”