BETHEL — Linda Stowell, music teacher of over 28 years, will retire from School Administrative District 44 next month.

Stowell received her teaching degree at the University of Portland-Gorham, now the University of Southern Maine. Raised in a musical household complete with a family band, Stowell said she knew she wanted a career in music, and settled on music education, like one of her brothers.

She has taught primarily students in kindergarten to grade five, and said she’s learned from them that teacher and student don’t always have to agree.

“I’ve taught hundreds of students through the years, and each has their own musical taste,” she said. “We don’t have to agree on everything, but can respect each others differences.”

Stowell said she hopes she has left the students with lessons such as music relates to everything, have a sense of humor, and that manners and respect are important.

The future for Stowell includes flower gardening, reading books, visiting friends and traveling.

She has three grandsons involved in sports and intends to get to more of their games.

“I don’t plan on being bored,” Stowell said.

emarquis@sunmediagroup.net

Linda Stowell, music teacher, will retire at the end of this year.