Ever since Marshdale Elementary opened in 1980, Sally Brant has been there, making sure first graders get a good start at school. The secret to her longevity is simple: she loves her job.

"It's been a very difficult decision for me to retire, because I've loved every minute of what I do," said Brant.  "I'm very fortunate to have had a job that I've loved throughout these years."

While a lot has changed in her 35 years of teaching, she's still never amazed by how fast the little ones learn.

"I think you see it's so rewarding for me to see how much they grow from the beginning of school to the end of school," said Brant. "They truly are like little sponges. They learn so much. Their little minds can absorb so much."

All of the students in Brant's class know all of the U.S. presidents' names, as well as the fifty states. Brant says they learned them through song, which goes back to her goal for her students: making learning fun.

"I want them to love school and love themselves and their accomplishments," said Brant.

She says more is expected of her first graders now than when she first started teaching.

"When I first started teaching first grade it was what kindergarten is learning now," said Brant.  "First grade is more like second grade over a 20 year period."

Please join 9NEWS, CollegeInvest, and Metropolitan State College in saluting Sally Brant, the April 2008 9Teacher Who Cares.