Carolyn Swope’s remarkable journey in education began over 50 years ago, and to this day, she remains an integral part of the Unity Point Elementary School District. Her career has been filled with challenges and triumphs, from her first day in 1972 at Unity Point, to her current role as a beloved substitute teacher. Despite officially retiring after 32 years, Carolyn returned to the classroom, proving that teaching was not just a career for her—it was her life’s calling.

Carolyn’s connection to the district runs deep. Her children, daughter-inlaw, and two grandsons graduated from Unity Point. As a teacher at Unity Point, she coached all three girls’ sports and obtained her bus license to help out when needed.

What sets Carolyn apart is not just her longevity but her ability to connect with students on a deeply personal level. Despite the generational gap between her and her students, Carolyn’s approach to teaching has earned her the love and admiration of countless children over the years. “Schools have always been my safe haven, my base,” Carolyn reflects, speaking to how her childhood hardships shaped her empathetic and nurturing teaching style. She lost her brother at 10, her father to suicide at 15, and her family home shortly after, yet Carolyn persevered, driven by the belief that her experiences gave her the ability to relate to any child facing difficulties.

One of Carolyn’s most endearing qualities is her sense of humor and humility. She often uses light-hearted moments to create meaningful bonds with her students. She recalls a day when she was tasked with working with a nonverbal child with autism. She was warned that the child tended to bite, but Carolyn, ever the optimist, took it in stride. “He didn’t bite me,” she laughs. “He just flipped the flab on my arm.” That moment, with the child finding comfort in such a simple act, exemplifies Carolyn’s ability to bring warmth and care into her classroom, no matter the challenge.

Her presence is not only felt in the classroom but in the entire school community. Carolyn fondly recounts stories of students who look to her as a grandmother figure. One particular student, who had faced homelessness, often runs to her for a hug, telling her how happy he is to see her. These moments of connection are what Carolyn cherishes most. “I have a group of huggers,” she says with a smile, and it's clear that these relationships give her as much fulfillment as they do her students.

As a substitute teacher, Carolyn’s role has evolved over the years. From filling in for first through eighth grade classes to stepping into a computer lab (despite her self-professed lack of technological expertise), Carolyn has remained versatile and adaptable. She’s become a constant presence at Unity Point, even attending various student activities and school events. Her dedication to the school is unparalleled, and her ability to form genuine connections with students of all ages makes her an invaluable asset.

Yet, despite all her accomplishments and the countless lives she’s touched, Carolyn remains incredibly humble. Her driving force is her love for children and her deep sense of purpose. She once asked her fifth graders what the worst thing she could do as a teacher would be. Their response was simple but profound: “Please don’t yell.” Carolyn has lived by that advice, knowing that kindness, compassion, and calm are what her students need most.

Even in her 51st year in education, Carolyn shows no signs of slowing down. As long as she can remember the way to school, she plans to continue bringing joy and wisdom to the classrooms of Unity Point. "You have to have a sense of purpose," Carolyn says, reflecting on her decision to return to teaching. And for Carolyn, her purpose has always been clear—making a difference in the lives of children, one hug at a time.