Cyndi Loza

Some people choose a career path at a young age, but it took Sparks resident Ruth Kareck nearly 78 years to find her place as teacher.

To the awe of many, Kareck will become a certified teacher in three weeks. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Nevada, Reno, in December. Since then, she has been working as a student teacher for a first-grade class at Marvin Moss Elementary School in Sparks.

“She’s got to be one of the oldest (student teachers) without question,” said Steve Mulvenon, Washoe County School District spokesman. “That’s very unusual and commendable.”

Kareck said she is anxious to get a classroom of her own.

“I guess I’m an oddity because of my age but I feel I have a lot to offer these children,” said Kareck, 78, who added her first grade students touch her grey hair and ask her about history. “Most children don’t have a lot of older people in their lives, so I think because of my age it makes them feel safe.”

Moss teacher Kathy Haskell said Kareck is a natural with the students.

“She’s phenomenal,” Haskell said. “She’s just a born teacher and nurturer.”

Since the 1960s, Kareck said she has served as parent volunteer within the school district while she raised her children.

“So, I’m no stranger to the classroom,” Kareck said. “I just never got paid for it.”

In 1998, Kareck’s husband of more than 40 years died. She said his death made her decide it was time for her to do something different in her life.

“I needed to have something to think about because I kind of felt lost,” Kareck said.

In 2002, Kareck received a substitute teaching certificate from the Truckee Meadows Community College. But as a substitute, she said she would sometimes stay in the classroom for as long as three months.

“So I thought, ‘You know, I want to get a classroom of my own,’” she said.

Kareck is unsure what school will hire her, but she knows there are no current openings at Marvin Moss elementary. She hopes to work in any school, ideally with students in first, second or third grade.

“I just like the little ones,” Kareck said. “If you get them young enough, I think I can instill the love of learning in them.”

Though it is unknown what school she will end up at in September, she said she knows her age won’t be a problem.

“I don’t think my age lets me run across the field as fast as some of the other teachers, but it doesn’t hold me back in any other way,” Kareck said.