Richmond Hill couple retires together after 28 years in education

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WTOC) - After 28 years in education, Richmond Hill couple Michael and Robyn Padgett have retired together. The remarkable part is that they’ve been married for exactly as long as they’ve been teaching, tying the knot in 1998.

Michael Padgett spent 28 years with Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. He taught for 26 years at the now-closed Largo-Tibet Elementary School before spending his final two years teaching physical education at Pulaski K-8.

“That’s one reason why I chose Savannah, because there are more coaching opportunities since it’s a bigger school system,” Michael said.

Robyn Padgett spent all 28 years teaching at Richmond Hill Middle School in Bryan County, and she said one of the most rewarding parts of her career was seeing former students follow in her footsteps.

“I’ve now started teaching with students that I taught,” Robyn said.

She even had the chance to work alongside the teachers who once taught her, including longtime Bryan County educator Beth Odom.

“It was fun getting to experience retirement with Robyn, helping her get all her paperwork in and getting to go to teacher retirement meetings together and events,” Odom said.

Michael said having a spouse who understood the challenges of teaching made all the difference, giving them opportunities to talk about teaching strategies and how to deal with different behaviors.

Now, the Padgetts are beginning a new chapter together. From planning trips to Disney to spending more time with family, they’re looking forward to making the most of retirement.

“I just hope we have at least 28 more years. At this age, we’ll be lucky to get that much longer, but that’s my hope,” Robyn said.