Dexter, Missouri - The annual CTA Retirement Tea was held on Thursday, April 28th with seven teachers retiring from Dexter Public Schools.  In all, these seven teachers will end their teaching career with 193 years of service.  Teachers honored were Sherry Chance, June Lawrence, Ramona Lemons, Shannon Putnam, John Stephens, Shari Stickles, and Debra Thrower.  (Each teacher will have their own article and a description of their years of service in education).

Shannon Putnam began her career in August of 1986 where she began her work with the Dexter Public Schools as a Title 1 Remedial Reading Teacher's Aide and worked with migrant families.  In 1988, she and her husband moved to Italy where he was stationed in the military.

Mrs. Putnam returned to Dexter in 1989, where she worked with Extended Day Kindergarten.  The following year she was hired as a First Grade Teacher at Southwest Elementary.  She will retire with 28 years teaching in the Dexter Public School District.

"The Dexter Public Schools commend them for their dedication and service to educating all the students they have come in contact with over the many years," commented Rick Williams, Dexter School Board President.  "We appreciate their service."