Teaching was not the path that Florala High School history teacher Susan Bondurant intended to take, but after 24 years in the classroom she does not regret a thing.

Bondurant first earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida in marketing.

“My husband and I decided to buy the auto parts store here in Florala,” Bondurant said. “And two marketing degrees won’t make it in a small town, so I started substituting. My mother was a teacher so I was familiar and comfortable. I found out later on that I really do love teaching.”

In 1994, Bondurant began her career as a teacher and she believes that her marketing degrees have helped her along the way.

“I do teach economics as well, so it went along with that,” Bondurant said. “I have taught career prep also so that worked well with that subject.”

Bondurant said that the best part of her job has been her students.

“My students are the best and worst part of my job,” Bondurant said. “Just interacting with the students and of course when that light bulb goes on when they understand something. That is the best part.”

Over the past 24 years, Bondurant said that the thing that has changed the most in the classroom has been the technology.

“Social media has caused a lot of positive and negative things in the classroom,” Bondurant said. “I am the sponsor for the Student Government Association and when it comes to the candidates’ campaigns, social media is perfect, because they can use that to reach the students. On the other hand, social media has caused a lot of turmoil and drama that carries into the classroom.”

Bondurant has spent her entire teaching career at FHS and plans to retire after this year.

She said that the thing she is going to miss the most is the staff at FHS.

“I have had the opportunity to work with such a great group of professionals,” Bondurant said. “Our school is more of a family than just a bunch of teachers coming here every day.”

Since it is National Teacher Appreciation Week, Bondurant said that being a teacher is an essential occupation.

“Teachers are so important because we are training the workforce,” Bondurant said. “We are training our future citizens. One of my big emphases is that I want my students to become educated voters. I want them to understand that it doesn’t matter whom they vote for, as long as they make an educated decision.”

In her retirement, Bondurant said that she is looking forward to traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.