Tuesday, June 17, the last day of the school year for Portland Public Schools students, was a bittersweet day at Lyseth Elementary School, as the school bid goodbye to beloved second-grade teacher Linda Whittum, who is retiring after 37 years with the district.

“The entire school lined the hallways for her ‘last walk’," said Principal Sara Goodall. “It was very emotional. She has been such a pillar for so many!”

Goodall said Whittum’s class had noisemakers and students had made her signs saying what a great teacher she was. Also, other retired teachers even came back to congratulate her.  “It was a beautiful way to honor her career of 37 years teaching at Lyseth,” Goodall said.

Whittum was among more than 30 Portland Public Schools employees retiring in the 2024-2025 school year who were honored at a Board of Public Education ceremony on June 10.  For that ceremony, Goodall wrote the following tribute to describe how much of a difference Whittum has made to the Lyseth community:

“It's hard to put into words the impact you have had on students and staff at Lyseth Elementary School. 37 years is an incredible accomplishment. You are a teacher that cares for every student that comes into your room and your class is an exemplar – it is a place where kids feel safe, comfortable and are striving to do their best. You have been a champion for using data to ensure all your students get what they need to be successful in academics and their lives, and you foster a lifelong love of reading for your students each year through your ‘read alouds’ of the classics. And somehow, while doing all of this, you have mentored and supported new teachers to the district to continue your legacy of high-quality instruction paired with loving accountability. You will be missed more than we can say. We are all – kids and adults – better for having spent time in your classroom.”