'Papa Bear' set to leave Berryhill
For nearly 40 years, Terry Neustaedter has molded young minds and shaped lives of thousands of Santa Rosa students. When he wakes on New Year’s Day, Neustaedter will be officially retired from the Santa Rosa County School District with 39 years and six months of service.
In his 34 years as principal at Berryhill, Neustaedter has seen thousands of students come and go, many growing up to be educators themselves--including his own daughter.
Neustaedter entered education at a time when it needed him most. In 1968, Florida teachers staged the first statewide teachers’ strike in U.S. history. Teachers were walking out of classrooms because of under-funding of the education system at a time when attendance was rising sharply, and low pay and few benefits were offered to teachers.
“I came in about the time when the legislature started improving schools in response to teacher walk-outs,” Neustaedter says. “We started seeing changes at that time.”
Neustaedter has seen the wheel reinvented time and again regarding education standards. He’s seen curriculum requirements swing back and forth like a clock pendulum. He’s seen success stories with troubled children. He’s witnessed heartwrenching situations.
He’s seen it all. And he doesn’t regret one bit of it.
Joan Baxley, a retired fourth grade school teacher who worked for Neustaedter for more than 10 years after he became principal at Berryhill said he was always fair with teachers and the students respected him from day one.
“He was very child-oriented,” Baxley said. “He always had good rapport with the students, and they really liked him.”
At 62 years old, Neustaedter said he’s too young to retire. He said he would take it easy for a couple months and just wait to see what life presents him.
“I really don’t know what I’m going to do.” he said. “But I’m ready to do something different.”
On Sunday, more than 100 people attended a retirement reception for the respected educator. The outgoing principal was joined by former students, co-workers, family and friends, as well as U.S. Congressman Jeff Miller (R-Chumuckla) who presented the outgoing principal with letters of congratulations and gratitude from President George W. Bush and Gov. Charlie Crist.
“Every other occupation is based on what you learn in school. (Educators) shape society,” Neustaedter said. “I’ve worked in the greatest, most honorable profession there is.”