Portage School Division's Assistant Superintendent Mike Mauws is resigning after over 37 years in the education field. Mauws outlines how he started out.

"At the end of January it'll be 37 and a half years in education, and 27 and a half will have been in this division. I started my education career in Peguis First Nation. I was there for 7 years as classroom teacher. I took a sabbatical and started my masters degree and became a resource teacher. After moving from Peguis I moved onto Portage and worked at the Agassiz Youth Centre for three years as a special education teacher then. Then moved on to Oakville. I was a resource teacher there for eight years and then at Victoria School for eight years. At the time I was at Oakville I also worked at Hutteritarian colonies around the the division, and High Bluff when it was open, Westbourne, Poplar Bluff. So, I had a bit of an itinerate position there. Then I was three and a half years as director of student services. And then eight years in this division."

He notes he's thoroughly enjoyed his career.

"It's been a very diverse and interesting career to say the least. I've had the opportunity to work with First Nations students, and students in correctional facilities, students from rural areas, and the city. So, that's been a lot of diversity, and interesting."

When asked for reasons why he's making the change, Mauws adds, "I think it's just time. It's been 37 and a half great years. I've enjoyed every minute of it. I've enjoyed the opportunity to work with some tremendously dedicated educators in this division, and I'll always be grateful for that. I don't know if it's so much a retirement at this point. But time to try something else, perhaps, or maybe not."

Mauws says he's definitely been fulfilled and rewarded in the education field, having enjoyed every location where he's worked. He's never been in any position more than eight years, and this is his eighth year in his current office. Mauws says eight years just seems to be a good number to reevaluate everything for him. He notes he mostly missed the children when he moved away from classroom teaching. What he'd miss most now is working with great educators and administrators in the division who are so dedicated and supportive.