Kees Langelaar from Amstelveen retired as a teacher after 44 years, but the blood runs deep. Despite his deserved old age, the economics teacher fills in as an economics teacher in Aalsmeer. Kees also teaches Dutch to refugee Ukrainian children at Panta Rhei in Amstelveen. His wife Jacqueline may therefore present him with an angel on behalf of NH.
In the video above you can see how Kees reacts to the surprise that he receives a statue of an angel because he ‘is an angel.’
Teacher shortage
Kees is aware that he contributes to education with his substitute work. There is still a teacher shortage in Amstelland (and far beyond). He sees receiving the angel as encouragement for other colleagues who have already retired. “Dear retired older colleagues of mine, I hope you will enjoy doing something for children in education. There are so many tasks still to be done.”
In short, Kees hopes that others will follow his example and continue to teach the class despite retirement. “It’s not just about sitting in the classroom with thirty children. There are many supporting tasks. A few hours of teaching is very good for the kids, but also for you as a retiree. You meet people again, you have fun, you still earn some extra money for a nice holiday. Education and the children really need you.”