Leah Barnes

Lynne Lyell prepares to say goodbye to her classroom and hello to retirement.

“Look at the big picture and not judge a book by its cover,” Lynne Lyell said when asked for her advice. Her career journey has shaped her to become a leader and mentor to many.

But it didn’t start in education, rather in business. Lyell spent 14 years at four different radio stations, two TV Rep firms, three news agencies, and three advertising companies. Her work took place in several states, including California, Oregon, and Colorado.

By 35, she made a career shift after realizing she didn’t feel fulfilled in life. At CSU, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics, as well as a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). Lyell became a high school business teacher shortly after.

In her 25 years of teaching, she has had various business courses that students could take. Most recently, she has taught Front Range sections in Marketing and Finance. Previously, she taught microeconomics and macroeconomics, AP economics, finance, entrepreneurship, sports entertainment, marketing/business leadership, and intro to business.

Regarding teaching, it wasn’t perfect. Struggling with students, parents, and colleagues who weren’t honest was a challenge in her career. Yet, those moments made her more understanding of others, and she learned something from every individual she met.

This is Lyell’s final year at Rocky, and she has gained more understanding about the world around her. She loved working as a teacher, yet she feels fulfilled and happy with her life. Refraining from passing judgment and being more patient towards others have been the most important lessons she has learned.

For her, the future is all about vacation and relaxation. Traveling to places like Germany, Vietnam, or even Thailand will be rewarding for her. With her new chapters, she’ll never stop Jazzercise and will continue to assist DECA students at Rocky.

Those who want to remember her legacy, her son Clay Lyell, works as a business teacher, so his classes are available for anyone interested. Rocky will always be home for her, and she’ll miss her students who shaped her to work hard each day.

“I think I learn from every student; people come from such different walks of life, but I think students have overall kindness, enthusiasm, and grace,” Lyell said.

Happy Retirement, Mrs. Lyell, and thanks for all the memories!