After 34 years of teaching in the Florida Keys, Jan Dorl is retiring from her career at Stanley Switlik Elementary and Marathon Middle and High School. Dorl, who initially pursued a degree in advertising and marketing from the University of South Florida, found her way into education after moving to Marathon with her husband, Jim, in 1986.

An Unplanned Path to Teaching

Dorl recalled her initial surprise at the move to Marathon, humorously noting she had hoped for a more vibrant location like Key West. Her early career aspirations lay in business, but opportunities in advertising were limited in the Keys. Encouraged by a family friend, Barb Wright, who worked for the Monroe County School District, Dorl shifted her focus to education, a decision she later embraced as her true calling.

“I may have made more money in real estate, but I absolutely believe this was the job I was meant to have,” Dorl stated.

Her first attempt at teaching involved earning a high school social studies certification, but no positions were available. She then pursued elementary education certification, beginning a 15-and-a-half-year tenure at Switlik Elementary. Dorl described her early days in kindergarten with large class sizes and no paraprofessional support, admitting she felt unprepared but managed to navigate the challenges.

A Versatile Educator

Over her career, Dorl became known for her adaptability, teaching various subjects and grade levels. She taught kindergarten, second, and third grade before obtaining an art certification and dedicating over a decade to teaching art at Switlik. In 2008, she transitioned to Marathon Middle and High School to teach TV production, web design, and middle school art. She later added a math certification to teach sixth-grade math before settling into teaching U.S. history.

Dorl attributed her sustained passion for teaching to the variety in her role. “I think the way I stayed fresh was I changed what I did – a LOT,” she explained. This approach allowed her to remain enthusiastic about her profession, even as retirement approached.

Connecting with Students

Dorl’s teaching philosophy often incorporated artistic elements into her lessons, particularly in history. She believed that creative projects allowed students who struggled with traditional testing to demonstrate their knowledge in different ways. This method also helped her connect with students who might have been more challenging for other teachers, whom she affectionately nicknamed her “Dodo heads.”

As the Class of 2026 graduated, Dorl felt a sense of shared accomplishment, having participated in their senior events and even creating custom paper crowns for them. She found joy in connecting with these students, many of whom carried the “Dodo head” nickname with pride since sixth grade.

Looking Ahead to Retirement

Dorl’s retirement plans include moving to a lake home in central Minnesota, where her father grew up. She is looking forward to dedicating time to her own pursuits, including setting up an art shed to focus on her creative work. Her advice to new teachers includes not being afraid to admit mistakes, surrounding oneself with positive colleagues, and maintaining a balance between involvement in the school and personal life.

She expressed gratitude for mentors like retired Switlik teacher Arlene Keeney and her long-time co-teacher, Mary Coleman, who provided support and camaraderie. Dorl’s career, which began unexpectedly, has left a significant mark on the Marathon community, and she looks forward to this new chapter. For more information on local news and events, visit Keys Weekly.

The Florida Keys real estate market continues to be a topic of interest, with various factors influencing property values and availability. For insights into the broader Florida real estate landscape, consult resources like Florida Realtors.