After 36 Years, Mrs. Mueller Says Goodbye

Vicci Mueller says she’s one of the lucky ones.

For 36 years, she’s had the title of teacher at Central Middle School - but she’s really in the business of touching lives. And if you grew up in San Carlos within the last three decades, there’s a decent chance she has touched yours, or your child's. 

“My students, even the difficult ones, have only enriched my life, given me satisfaction, and truly given me love,” Mueller told San Carlos Patch. “From the very beginning I realized that teaching is more than imparting knowledge and guiding students in academic fields.  It is a chance to give a child a sense of belonging and self worth.  No matter what happens in their lives, I want them to know that Mrs. Mueller loved them and had faith in them.  I hope I have done just that.”

Mueller graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in the 1960’s and says there weren’t many opportunities for women at the time. But she knew she wanted to be a teacher. For more than 30 years - with the exception of some time she took off to be a mother - she has taught children, imparting her kindness onto them as they head into the world.

The City of San Carlos, a city renowned for its schools, plays a role in Mueller’s longevity as a teacher here.

“I love this town!” she exclaimed. “It has been an incredible ride.  My favorite stories revolve around two boys, neither an excellent student.  One, a bouncer at a club in town, stopped my family and informed them that I was the best thing that ever happened to him.  Another, ran down Laurel shouting at me, "Mrs. Mueller, I have a job!"

Now, it’s time to retire, she says. Her career will be commemorated inside the Central library on May 21 from 3:15 pm to 5:00 pm. 

“It’s time to allow others to carry the torch!” she said.  “We have wonderful, caring teachers in this town who will continue to give students everything they need. All I say is "I have been truly blessed!"

Leave a thought for Mrs. Mueller in the comments below!