New beginnings can be found everywhere—in the changing of the seasons, in the new school year, or even at the end of 26 long yet memorable years of teaching. That last one is the case for Ms. Munden, Sharon High School’s beloved health and gym teacher.
Though retirement is the end of an era, it’s also the start of a new chapter of life. For Munden, this means giving herself more time to spend with her family on a more flexible schedule.
Munden has taught in the Sharon school district for 26 years, starting at the middle school in 1999 and later moving to the high school, where she taught health and PE. Since 2012, Munden has accompanied her work at SHS with a teaching role at Bridgewater State University.
Munden admitted that it was difficult to settle on one favorite moment from her time at SHS, saying, “There were so many great memories over the 26 years!” She ultimately decided that one of her most valuable experiences as a teacher was when her coworkers, Mrs. Gassman and Mr. Christiansen, helped her learn the required material for becoming a certified PE teacher.
While Munden focused on teaching health and PE, she also has plenty of wonderful memories outside the gym and classroom. As a club advisor, she connected with students and faculty by helping to run carnivals before the morning football game. Munden reflected fondly on this experience, remembering the days of teacher dunks and live music from student bands. “The homecoming carnivals had a very festive atmosphere,” she explained.
Outside of Sharon, Ms. Munden already has plans for her retirement. She plans to continue teaching at Bridgewater State, likely one or two classes a semester. She would also like to take another look at a past career: “A part of me would like to reconnect with my first profession in some way,” she said. “I worked as an RN at Boston Medical Center for 13 years before changing careers.” Additionally, Munden hopes to try out new hobbies, like reading, puzzles, and volunteer work, while also spending more quality time with her grandchildren—including one arriving this August!
Munden offered some advice for SHS students as well as the wider Sharon community: Prioritize living a healthier life. “Don’t wait to value your health—start now!” she encouraged. “It’s easier to stay well than to get well. Having a high level of wellness will free you to pursue your dreams and goals.” However, Munden also believes that community members, students and adults alike, should be gracious to themselves: “Be kinder to yourself and others.”
Although Sharon High won’t be the same without Ms. Munden, the school wishes her nothing but the best in her future endeavors. This teacher and mentor will be missed by many Eagles.
