After retiring from Mount Vernon City Schools in 2015, Annette Neighbarger, widely known as “Netter,” found herself struggling with the transition. Having spent 35 years as a physical education teacher, coach, and athletic director, she was not ready to step away from working with students.
“I wasn’t ready to retire,” Neighbarger said. “But I had been diagnosed with COPD and had both knees replaced the year before. I didn’t think I could contribute like I had. I couldn’t teach PE sitting down.”
Former middle school Principal Gary Hankins suggested that she apply through the Knox Educational Service Center (ESC) to work as an academic assistant and classroom aide. The ESC is responsible for screening and hiring aides for public school districts across the county, though these aides are paid by their respective districts.
Neighbarger followed this advice and soon returned to the middle school as an aide. Last month, she was recognized by ESC Superintendent Dr. Timm Mackley for a decade of service alongside four other classroom aides.
“When I retired in 2015 I figured that I had had about 12,000 students during my 35 years,” Neighbarger said. “I am so thankful that I was able to come back and continue the work that I love.”
Her daily routine starts at 6 a.m., preparing paperwork and checking grades before assisting math teacher Don Marn during three periods of RTI (response to intervention) math classes designed for students needing extra help. She then supports eighth-graders requiring academic assistance in her own room.
During lunch, Neighbarger supervises about 270 sixth-grade students before spending afternoons tutoring sixth- and seventh-graders across various subjects.
“I’m old school strict,” she admitted. “People who come by my room will say, ‘This room is so quiet.’ I tell them, ‘Yes. We’re working.’”
She also keeps treats on hand for students who complete their assignments, including special options for those with diabetes.
A graduate of Mount Vernon City Schools in 1975 and Ohio State University in 1979, Neighbarger began her teaching career soon after graduation. Over her tenure she started the middle school girls basketball program and served two decades as high school volleyball coach and athletic director; she also coached Fredericktown’s girls varsity basketball team for one season while at Mount Vernon.
Outside of school roles, Neighbarger directed YMCA summer camps for twenty years before stepping down over changes in camp structure but returned three years ago when asked to resume leadership.
Her nickname originated from her basketball players addressing her as “Netter.” “I told them that was OK but only on the basketball court,” she said. “But it wasn’t long before they would call me Netter in the hallways. Soon it spread throughout the school.”
Now living in Apple Valley, Neighbarger is widely recognized throughout Knox County by her nickname—her car’s license plate even reads “Netter.” Sixteen of her former students now work at the middle school; all current PE teachers there were once taught by her.
As for retirement plans: “I plan to be here. This is my 46th year. I still love it. I still get excited,” Netter said. “I love the kids. I’m still helping them and that’s what’s important.
“People ask me when I’m going to retire. I say I don’t know. I guess I’ll retire when I’m told that I’m no longer effective.”
