No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to spotlight our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue. This week’s neighbor is a beloved teacher at Marathon High School. Jan Dorl’s passion for education is evident to all who have had the privilege of being her student. As one of her former sixth-grade students, I can personally attest to Mrs. Dorl’s unwavering commitment and love for teaching. “Having taught for 31 years, I could not imagine having done anything else with my life,” she said. It takes a special person to be a teacher, and she is exactly that. She is the kind of teacher who leaves a lasting impression on her students, making a difference in their lives long after they have left her classroom.
JAN DORL
History teacher, Marathon High School
How did you end up in the Keys? It was an accident! I was living in Europe, and my now-husband was irritated because I had been gone for six months. So, he said he would just take a job in the Keys and dive and fish for a couple of years. I flew into the Marathon airport in 1986 with my backpack; we’ve been here ever since.
What can people find you doing when you aren’t working? Usually swimming laps in my pool or hanging out with my cats and dogs.
What is something most people don’t know about you? Most people don’t know I’m an accidental teacher. My degree was in marketing and advertising from USF.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? Be patient with yourself.
What is your favorite event or tradition at Marathon High School? Pep rallies, I get to wear my blue boa.
What is the funniest thing a student has ever done in your class? A student borrowed another student’s phone, took it into the bathroom and fell asleep on the floor playing games.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
What is something that is on your bucket list? I want to take the Canadian train ride across the country when I retire.
What is the weirdest fact you know? I could personally list everything that is in the seven articles of the Constitution and explain them to anyone.
