By Satina Tolman
For The New Era
After more than three decades of gentle guidance, tireless patience and heartfelt care, Karen Gaskey is retiring from Oak Heights Elementary School, where she has served as a special needs assistant and behavior assistant for 34 of her 35 years in education.
Gaskey, a Sweet Home native who grew up in the Sweet Home School District, has spent most of her life nurturing the next generation, including some of her former students’ children.
She didn’t always plan to be in education. With a degree as a legal secretary, she filled in as a substitute for a school secretary who went on maternity leave. While there, a job for a special needs assistant came up, and she was encouraged to apply.
“I got into this by chance,” Gaskey said. “My oldest daughter had just started first grade, and I thought I’d give it a try.”
Gaskey discovered that her passion for helping children overcome personal obstacles and become their best selves would lead to a rewarding career.
It has not been an easy career, though. Over the years, Gaskey has seen many changes in student needs and behavior.
“There are a lot more kids now with ADD, ADHD, and other needs,” she said. “When I first started, it didn’t seem as violent as it does now.”
To adapt, Gaskey has completed regular training in behavioral strategies, completing CPI (Nonviolent Crisis Prevention and Intervention) certification every two years, which has helped her learn how to safely de-escalate situations and protect both the students and staff.
Principal Todd Barrett, who has worked alongside Gaskey for the past six years, said her presence has been a steady, calming force.
“She works with our toughest kids and our toughest behaviors,” Barrett said. “She’s a role model. The students really look up to her. She’s leaving big shoes to fill.”
One of Gaskey’s favorite stories involves a young man who, as a kindergartener, was so overwhelmed by the classroom environment that he often spent time hiding under tables.
“We finally found a book series he loved, ‘Pete the Cat,’ and that opened the door to reading for him,” Gaskey said. “By fifth grade, we were reading together.”
“I’ve always lived by the motto, ‘ don’t ever give up, ‘ and this was my biggest ‘don’t ever give up’ moment because you just don’t know how long it will take. Watching him go off to junior high as a functioning little human, that just filled my heart.”
That perseverance and love of the children she works with have defined her career.
“The most rewarding thing,” she said, “is when you spend years helping a child develop a skill and then finally see that light bulb come on. That moment when they say, ‘Oh, I got it!’ — that’s what makes my heart happy.”
Gaskey also credits her success to strong partnerships with both parents and teachers.
“I’ve had great relationships with families,” she said. “And I’ve loved being part of the team with our teachers. When you’re all working toward the same goal, it’s fun and fulfilling.
Gaskey is excited for her future, but leaving Oak Heights is not easy for her.
“I’ve made some really good friends here. I’ll miss them most of all.”
Though she’s stepping away from her full-time role, Gaskey isn’t done with the classroom yet. She holds an emergency teaching license and plans to substitute teach for the next two years.
Still, retirement brings time for new adventures and old passions.
“I’ve always loved photography,” she said. “I just got a new camera and want to learn how to use it well. I want to travel and I have a bucket list to do a ghost town tour, take pictures of old barns and buildings. I love imagining the history behind them.”
Twelve years ago, Gaskey and her husband moved to Albany to be closer to their two daughters and five grandchildren. She looks forward to spending more time with them as well.
“I’ve had an amazing career,” she said. “I’ve worked with amazing people and gotten to meet some amazing kids. Some of my former students are now parents, and they bring their kids in and say, ‘Mrs. Gaskey was here when I went to school!’ That’s pretty special.”