At Wesley, residents carry with them more than a lifetime of experiences—they bring a love of learning that continues to inspire. Two retired educators, Marilyn Knutson of Wesley Bradley Park and Earl Boatwright of Wesley at Tehaleh, exemplify how teaching not only shapes students but also the teachers themselves. Their stories highlight how education, in every season of our lives, should be a lifelong pursuit.
Teaching Children to Teach Themselves
Growing up, Marilyn knew her path would lead to either nursing or teaching. When she enrolled at Pacific Lutheran University, she was encouraged to try elementary education—a choice that launched a 32-year career in the classroom.
She began teaching first grade. She then became a reading specialist and ultimately found her deepest fulfillment in special education. For 26 years, Marilyn served in the Tacoma School District. It was through her son’s schooling that she discovered the Montessori method. Inspired, she pursued certification and spent her happiest years teaching a kindergarten classroom that blended 80 percent Montessori practices with 20 percent public school curriculum.
Her teaching philosophy transformed over time. What began as “If they do not learn the way you teach, then teach the way they learn” evolved into “A good teacher teaches children to teach themselves.” Marilyn cherished watching her students take ownership of their learning, choosing meaningful work, and sometimes even preferring it over recess.
Her legacy includes overseeing the opening of Bryant Montessori, Tacoma’s first public Montessori school. She became the first woman in elementary school to be named Teacher of the Year in Tacoma—an honor she attributes to her contributions to the Montessori movement.
“I cherished teaching, and I’d do it all again,” Marilyn says. “I loved teaching children to teach themselves. A bright child is never bored because they can think and go somewhere in their imagination.”
Today, Marilyn continues to nurture her curiosity. As a Wesley U board member, she helps plan courses and eagerly participates in classes ranging from watercolor and basket weaving to wood burning.
“I love living at Wesley, and I really enjoy the hands-on classes. I’m having so much fun,” she reflects. “If you stop learning, you stop growing.”
Preparing Students for What Comes Next
For Earl, teaching was not the first career he envisioned. However, it became the one he cherished most. After earning his MBA and working in business, Earl was encouraged by a friend to try part-time teaching at a local university. He enjoyed the experience so much that he pursued it full-time, later earning his PhD from the University of South Florida. He was able to attend by using the GI Bill after serving four years in the Air Force.
From 1982 to 2012, Earl taught marketing at 18–20 universities as an adjunct and full-time professor. Everywhere he went, he left his mark. He earned Teacher of the Year awards at each institution. One year, he even received the Outstanding Teacher Award for the entire university, an honor he still treasures.
Earl found his greatest fulfillment in guiding students toward their futures.
“I wanted to help the students get started in their careers. I wanted to prepare them for that first job, and I think the students appreciated it,” Earl shares. As advisor to the student marketing association, he helped the group earn recognition at state and national levels, consistently finishing in the top four. “Watching them celebrate was the best part,” he says with pride.
His advice to students: “Prepare yourself for that first job. Join a group, stay active and engage in activities beyond the classroom. Businesses want graduates with experience, not just perfect GPAs.”
Even in retirement, Earl believes in the power of curiosity: “It’s critically important to keep learning. Your brain is an active organ; it thrives on learning. Whatever keeps you interested—stay in it, stay active, and keep learning.”
A Shared Philosophy at Wesley
For Marilyn and Earl, education was never just about teaching subjects. It was about shaping lives, encouraging curiosity and fostering independence. At Wesley, they’ve found a community that shares those values, where opportunities to learn and grow never end.
Their journeys are reminders that whether in a classroom, a university lecture hall or a Wesley U course, learning is a lifelong adventure. It’s one of the most important investments we can make in ourselves.