Pottsville teacher’s aide still heading back to class as she prepares to turn 88

POTTSVILLE, Ark. – Walking down the halls of Pottsville Elementary with a cane in hand, Norma Wise said there is no place she would rather be.

The teacher’s aide entering her 48th year in the school district will be turning 88 in September, and she plans on celebrating the way any one of her kindergarten students would, with hugs, coloring, and maybe a little dance.

“I don’t even think about leaving. I don’t want to leave,” Wise said.

Not every class assignment is as easy as it used to be with hip and leg surgeries limiting her, but Wise’s wisdom is something she still shares with hundreds of kids a year.

“Just to learn all they can while in school, and be nice to everyone, and try to plan ahead in their education for what they want to do,” Wise explained.

When moving from California to Arkansas, Wise first thought she was supposed to be a beautician. But in 1977, she decided to beautify the lives of children, and that education has left a mark on generations of former students who are now bringing their kids or grandkids through school.

Hannah Keith is a current Pottsville Elementary teacher who remembers Wise working with her in reading groups. Now Keith’s daughter, Maddyn, is in first grade.

“It’s neat to be able to see and to teach with people who have been here so long. It’s why we’re here. Mrs. Wise is it,” Keith said.

“Every person around here is thankful to have every family and each teacher and Mrs. Wise,” Maddyn said.

Wise keeps busy outside of the classroom too. She spreads kindness in five area nursing homes by fashioning cards for students to hand-write letters to residents. More than 600 cards have been prepared this year for the whole school.

When asked why she continues to work and not retire, Wise said it makes her feel young.

“I just want to be with people and help all that I can. It makes me good,” Wise explained.

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