Rose Gilbert, who quite likely was the oldest classroom teacher in the country, announced her retirement from Palisades High last Friday at the age of 94. At the time of the announcement, she was still teaching three AP English classes. ‘Teaching is still a joy and I loved my job’it kept me happy for 66 years,’ Gilbert told the Palisadian-Post. ‘But I want to be able to enjoy time with my seven great-grandchildren. I want to be part of their growing up.’ Gilbert, who began her teaching career at University High in 1956, before joining the first faculty at PaliHi when the school opened in 1961, has had the same classroom for 51 years: B204. ‘Teaching has been my whole life,’ said Gilbert, who plans to stay active as a substitute teacher and by volunteering at the library ‘to help kids as a mentor and with their papers.’ She will also join a second book club and volunteer at the Venice Family Clinic, working with Cathy Salser, one of her former students. In recent years, Gilbert has donated $3.1 million towards construction of the Maggie Gilbert Aquatic Center (in memory of her late daughter) and $1 million for the remodeling of B-101 (now Gilbert Hall) and Mercer Hall. ‘Rose ‘Mama G’ Gilbert has been an inspiration to all involved with Palisades Charter High School,’ said PaliHi Principal Dr. Pamela Magee. ‘Her passion for Pali, exemplary work ethic, and unparalleled generosity are legendary. Because of Ms.Gilbert, the Pali school community enjoys a state-of- the-art aquatic center and will soon have two fully revitalized lecture halls/performance spaces. She will always hold a very special place in the school’s legacy and in our hearts.’ A celebration for Gilbert will be held with the grand opening of Gilbert and Mercer Halls on Saturday, March 9, at 4 p.m.
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