Valley Heights Christian Academy Math Teacher Joan Brooks is retiring from teaching after 35 years at the school. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — The Valley Heights Christian Academy (VHCA), located at 75 Calvary Drive in Norwich, is saying goodbye to Math Teacher Joan Brooks after her 35-year career at the school.

"My 7th grade math teacher ... he said I had a knack for math and understanding and helping others, so that kind of sparked my interest. So I knew since 7th grade I wanted to be a math teacher," said Brooks. "I went to college, got my degree. I didn’t plan on teaching here, I wanted to go to a public school. But they needed somebody and they hired me, and this is where I’ve stayed."

Throughout her career, Brooks has been deeply involved in academics and extracurriculars at VHCA. She said she teaches grades 7 through 12, and in her time at VHCA she has taught algebra 1, algebra 2, geometry, accounting, business math, calculus, consumer math, advanced math, US history, geography, New York State history, biology, chemistry, earth science, English, computer, and Bible classes.

She has also run the school's yearbook group, and for several years was a senior class advisor and helped to plan the annual senior trip.

Additionally, Brooks has played a big role in fundraising at the school, which helps to keep tuition costs down. Annually, some of fundraisers include chicken barbecues; lunches and dinners; sales of candy bars, wreaths, popcorn, candles, and Krispy Kreme doughnuts; as well as an annual walk-a-thon, which Brooks said they're preparing for now.