Glazier Elementary Honors Teacher for 46 Distinguished Years of Service at Norwalk-La Mirada

Known for her penchant for the color red and her love for dressing up for any occasion, especially days that involved her favorite author Dr. Seuss, Glazier Elementary third-grade teacher Martha Treadway will be retiring after 46 years of dedicated service to Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District.

Glazier gave her a grand farewell, proclaiming June 10 to be Martha Treadway Day. A tree was planted in her honor and testimonials were presented from current and former Glazier staff, state and county representatives, community leaders, and her adoring students.

“I could never fathom the day that I had today,” Treadway said. “I thought I would teach seven years. Never did I dream I would be here for 46 years. Thank you to all of you who came today. This has been the best day of my life.”

Students and teachers dressed in the colors of Treadway’s favorite sports team, the Angels, or wore Hawaiian attire. The Glazier third-grade class serenaded Treadway with “Teaching Glazier School,” sung to the tune of the Beach Boy’s “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” while current and former Glazier staff sang “Happy Trails” and spelled out her name in large cardboard letters. The Glazier Elementary social committee presented Treadway with a check for $1,000.

“We are here to honor you for your 46 years of service to Norwalk-La Mirada,” Glazier principal Jean Grabowski said. “Thank you for being an inspiration to our students, staff and community, and for making us smile by celebrating the holidays in style!”

The highlight for many was the performance of “Take Me Out to The Ballgame” by Treadway and her friends from the “Angels Royal Court.” Treadway delighted in throwing bags of peanuts to the students.

Treadway was hired by the District in 1970, teaching at Gardenhill and Nuffer schools before transitioning to Glazier in 1981. Treadway has been named Glazier “Teacher of the Year” three times and in 2009, she received the Glazier PTA Golden Oak award. Treadway served as Teacher Association of Norwalk La Mirada representative for both Gardenhill and Glazier schools.

Over the course of 30 years at Glazier, Treadway assisted in creating an after-school garden, and shepherded over 1,000 student projects and 40 school gardens into the 48th District L.A. County Agricultural Fair.

“Martha has touched the hearts of thousands of students and provided immense support for numerous teachers and colleagues,” NLMUSD Superintendent Dr. Hasmik Danielian said. “Her passion as a humanitarian shows through her volunteer work for the Santa Ana Zoo, Habitat for Humanity and Global Village. Thank you Martha for all that you’ve done for the District. We will miss you greatly.”

PHOTOS:

NLMUSD_TREADWAY1: An emotional Glazier Elementary School third-grade teacher Martha Treadway stands with her colleagues as they bid her a grand farewell after she dedicated 46 years to Norwalk-La Mirada Unified.

NLMUSD_TREADWAY2: Students celebrate Glazier Elementary school third-grade teacher Martha Treadway on her retirement after 46 years with Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District.