Bob Willis’s teaching career spanned more than five decades and gave him the opportunity to impact the lives of thousands of young South Australians across more than 25 schools.

The former principal retired at the end of last year, 55 years after taking up his first teaching role at Salisbury North Primary School.

“I became a teacher because that is basically what I had always wanted to be,” Mr Willis said. “I also had a love of children; essential for any aspiring teacher.”

“My favourite memories of teaching were that I was doing a job I loved, the relationships with fellow staff members, the relationships with the parents of the children I taught, the love of the children in my care, which I reciprocated, and the fact I was probably the most important influence in their lives after their parents,” Bob said.

“You must take on this huge responsibility wholeheartedly. Teaching is not an easy profession, and it is probably even more difficult now than what it was all those years ago when I first started. However, if you love children and have a sense of humour, you will get there. Children learn best in a friendly, warm, caring and happy environment.”

Mr Willis said it was often a proud moment to run into a former student and see how they had progressed in their lives.

“It’s part of being a teacher, you’re always running into former students,” Mr Willis said.

“About 10 years ago…at Marion Cricket Club, one of the ladies serving afternoon tea said ‘Do you remember me? You taught me at Salisbury North Primary School’.”

“She said, ‘You were such an inspiring teacher you actually inspired me to become a teacher’.”

Mr Willis said it was important for those new to the profession to take pride in their work.

“My advice to young teachers would be that you are entering a most honourable and worthwhile profession, and you need to live up to this reputation both in and out of school,” he said. “We cannot let a few bad apples spoil the image of teachers.”