Katherine Ann McCluskey ’49 had 19 classmates— including the school’s first male student—when she graduated in 1949 from the former Westfield State Teachers College.
The memories of her two years at Westfield State remain with her today, experiences that have guided and inspired her throughout her personal and professional life. For 40 years, Katherine, who goes by Ann, taught all subjects to fifth-graders at elementary schools in Connecticut. She kept in touch with members of her class—whether lunching at an inn in Somers, Conn., or through holiday cards or phone calls.
What made you decide to attend Westfield State?
My mother was a kindergarten teacher. I wanted to be a secretary but decided to give teaching a try. I attended Boston Teachers College but had rheumatic fever and had to leave. Because of my illness, I needed a school where I could stay in a dorm and not have to travel. I went to Westfield State my junior and senior years.
What do you remember most about your experiences at Westfield State?
I can’t begin to tell you all the wonderful training we got for teaching. We knew what we were doing right when we got our first teaching jobs. Faculty were all very welcoming and interested in the students. It felt like they cared if you made it or not. When I got there, students accepted me right off the bat. They even elected me senior class president.
What did you enjoy about teaching fifth-graders?
It was a wonderful age to teach. I loved seeing the lights come on in their eyes when they were learning something new. I taught history—my favorite subject—and English, spelling, math, science, and health. If you are a really good teacher, it’s born in you. You have to love children, and if you don’t, you should get out of teaching immediately.
What has inspired you to donate to Westfield State for so many years?
I was inspired because of all the friends I made and the education I got that launched me on my career. It transformed my life. I am very grateful for it, and donating is my way of saying “thank you.” I would like the money to go to a person who wants to become an elementary school teacher, to someone who needs money now and can’t afford his or her dream.
