HUDSON— With 32 ½ years of teaching in the books, special education teacher Diana Hatstat is ending her career and is excited for what’s to come in her future.
Hatstat has worked at Hudson High School for 14 years as a special education teacher, with the other 18 years spent working in the Wachusett district.
Before working in education, Hatstat worked at Guaranty Bank in the loan processing center.
Hatstat was then a Stay-at-Home mom to her two boys until her youngest was in kindergarten. It was then that she became a paraprofessional at Naquaq Elementary School.
“The job allowed me to be at home when my kids were home and be available to take them to sports practices and games, and help with homework,” she said.
Hatstat’s road to a career in education wasn’t one she had planned for originally. When she graduated from High school, she tried out a business major focused on accounting at Nichols College per her father’s suggestion.
“It wasn’t what I really wanted to do, and I ended up dropping out during my second year,” said Hatstat.
Years later, when her son was considering college, she had a change of mind and went back to college, attending Bay Path University.
She earned her associate’s degree. Then she earned her bachelor’s degree. And within five years, she earned her master’s degree and was able to graduate the same year as her son.
“It was worth it,” she said.
From there, she began teaching at Hudson High in 2013 as a special education teacher on the 8th-grade Blue Team.
“I really enjoy working with them. It’s a pleasure for me to see kids successful,” Hatstat said.
After all these years, Hatstat has seen many kids grow up and or graduate, and says the most difficult thing about teaching is working with kids who come from families who don’t see the importance of learning.
“I think when a kid sees the value in education, they want to be successful, and want to do well,” said Hatstat.
Despite the difficult few, Hatstat feels the most accomplished when she gets to be a part of the reason someone graduates. There have been students who might not have graduated if it weren’t for her help.
“I think my greatest accomplishment is knowing that there are a few kids who made it through,” said Hatstat.
She has been an incredible help to special needs students. If Hatstat could share advice with students, she may not have the privilege of teaching in the future, so she would keep it simple.
“First and foremost in life, be kind, respectful, and have a good work ethic,” Hatstat said. “When thinking about what you want to do after high school, choose something that brings you pleasure. Then it becomes a career, not a job. Money isn’t always the most important thing. Your happiness is.”
Hatstat has also shared advice with former students about continuing their education.
“Go to school when you’re young and don’t wait, it’s a lot harder when you have two jobs and kids to support.” she says.
Although she has spent many years teaching, Hatstat said she will not miss waking up early. She may consider substitute teaching in the future after taking some well-deserved time off.
“I will miss working with students, and I will miss the friends that I’ve made here,” Hatstat said. “But I will not miss the paperwork and the daily routine.”
As Hatstat begins retirement, she looks forward to returning to hobbies she hasn’t had time for, including stained glass.
“I took a night course a long time ago and invested in all the materials I need. I haven’t been able to do it because it’s very time-consuming.” Hatstat said.
She is also excited to spend more time with her grandchildren and travel.
“Spending time with my grandkids, being with my family, and doing a little traveling, I’d love to go back to Costa Rica,” says Hatstat excitedly.
Retirement may mark the end of a career, but leaving behind the people she has worked with for years will not be easy. Hatstat hopes to continue hearing from former students and seeing them succeed.
“It’s really nice when you hear back from students after they’ve graduated and they’re doing great,” she said. “Just knowing they’re successful and happy, and that I may have played a small part in that.”
One quote Hatstat says she lives by comes from Mark Twain: “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
