After a half-century of teaching students at Jones County High School in Murdo, English and Journalism teacher Margie Peters is retiring.

Peters decided that this school year will be her last after 50 years, and plans of traveling the country after she retires.

Peters says watching her students become better people keeps her going every day

Peters taught thousands of students in her career, including South Dakota Senator John Thune

Peters says many things have changed over her five decades in the teaching field, but one thing that has not changed it that today’s society does not classify teachers as professionals

Peters adds that when she started teaching, she received 1500 dollars less than her male counterparts. Although the gender gap in pay has changed, she still thinks teachers are more deserving than what they are compensated for.