Neighborhood Preschool Teacher Retires After 25 Years

For 25 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Muir, has provided gentle care and thoughtful instruction for the children of many Wesleyan employees and Middletown community members.

On May 29, Muir will retire from her role at Wesleyan’s Neighborhood Preschool and will be celebrated at a potluck party at 5 p.m. at 115 High Street in Middletown.

“Betty is better than Mary Poppins,” says parent Stephan Angle, associate professor and chair of philosophy, associate professor of East Asian studies. Angle’s daughters, Samantha, now 12, and Rachel, now 9, both spent ages 3 and 4 at the preschool under Betty’s care.

“She cares so much for the kids’ emotional and physical well-being, and knows just what it takes to help them grow as people,” Angle says. “We never worried for a second when dropping the kids off; to the contrary, we knew we were doing something wonderful for them!”

Muir, who worked in the preschool program with 3-and 4-year-olds, was known for her caring manor and taking the children on walks around Wesleyan’s campus.

“We always knew that our children were in good hands when they were with Betty,” says parent Suzanna Tamminen, director of the Wesleyan University Press. “Her seemingly unstoppable energy and optimism are always beautifully balanced by her patience and sensitivity to the needs of others. We have deeply appreciated those qualities as well as her willingness to take on duties that were often above and beyond the normal call.”

Petra Bonfert-Taylor and Ed Taylor, both associate professors of mathematics, say their memories of Muir are vividly embedded in their memories of Neighborhood Preschool. Muir taught their daughter, Elaine, for two years. Now 6, Elaine occasionally speaks with a Scottish brogue, a habit acquired from her teacher, Betty.

"To this day, Elaine prefers to pronounce words with a large number of “f’s” where “th” or “ph” might go," Bonfert-Taylor says. "We always appreciated Betty’s energy and understanding. She took each child as they were and didn’t judge or pigeon hole them. Children are especially sensitive to such things, and her openness was rewarded with much love from the children."

In her retirement, Muir looks forward to spending more time with her family, and dancing with The Royal Scottish Dance Society.

Anyone who is unable to attend the potluck but would like to contact Betty Muir can write to her at 115 High Street, Middletown, CT 06457.