Bossier High School teacher marks 41 years at the same school

Five years later, Smith moved into the school library, where she has worked since 1991.

Over the years, Smith has watched Bossier High School and education change significantly. When she first arrived, the school had about 1,200 students. Enrollment later dropped to around 500, leading to discussions about the school potentially closing.

Technology in the classroom has also changed dramatically.

When Smith began working in the library, the school still used a card catalog to keep track of its books. Computers eventually replaced the system, and students now have access to technology in their classrooms. Even more technology can be accessed in the phones kept in backpacks. 

Despite those changes, Smith said one thing has remained important: teaching students how to find reliable information on their own.

Smith said the relationships she has built with students and colleagues are a major reason she has stayed at Bossier High School for so long.

"Everybody says, 'Oh, we're like a family.' We really are," Smith said. "It's one of those schools that once you get here, a lot of times you just feel at home and you want to stay."

Smith has continued working beyond the traditional 30-year retirement mark, helping pay for her children's college expenses, including her daughter's law school and wedding.

She is not sure whether she will continue teaching after this school year, but said she has few regrets about her 41-year career — aside from having to wake up at 4:51 a.m. each morning.

For those considering a career in education, Smith said schools need people who genuinely care about students.

"We need good teachers. We need people who like kids and want them to learn and want to provide a good example for them," she said.