Mast’s 37-year teaching career ‘was always meant to be’

When Ann Mast began her teaching career, she didn’t realize how much her students would affect her life.

She quickly realized teaching is about more than the curriculum.

“It’s more about building self-esteem, challenging the kids to grow and finding ways to be a positive influence for them,” said Mast, retiring at the end of this school year after spending the past 37 years teaching at Millersburg Elementary. “Each child is different, and each one has their own needs. Finding a way to make that special connection with each one is something I have always prioritized.”

Mast knew she wanted to one day become a teacher when she was in elementary school, as she used to play school with her stuffed animals.

“I think it was always meant to be,” Mast said.

For Mast, teaching has always been about the kids.

“Each year has brought its own unique, challenging and fun group who brought their own personalities to the classroom,” she said. “Finding a way to connect with each student and touch their lives in positive and meaningful ways has always been the one thing that has brought me more joy than anything. I want to be inspiring to them.”

Mast’s favorite part of each school day is reading to her students.

“Reading is something that I know will help them develop in the classroom, and I love connecting with them emotionally through fascinating children’s books that bring excitement, joy, fun and so many other emotions into their world,” she said.

Mast also plays upbeat music as her students arrive at school.

“It gets them excited about the day before it even starts,” she said.

Helping her students succeed and recognize their true potential is rewarding for Mast.

“I have enjoyed reconnecting with former students now in high school or even as graduates who share their fond memories of being in my class,” she said. “There’s still a special bond.”

Having to juggle so many things at once has presented some challenges over the years.

“Teachers today are expected to do so much in so many different ways, and there is just not enough time to devote to the kids like I sometimes want to and give them the love they need and deserve, and that is frustrating,” Mast said.

When Mast was a student at Hiland High School, she earned all-district honors in volleyball and basketball and was a varsity cheerleader.

In her free time, Mast enjoys spending time with her children, doing special things for others, lifting weights, walking, landscaping, watching action movies with her husband and rocking out to music in her kitchen.

“Teacher Spotlight” is a feature on a teacher in the East Holmes or West Holmes school districts.