Josh Antoncic and his wife Heidi are preparing to retire from Virginia Run Elementary School after teaching there for nearly 30 years, according to a May 22 announcement. The couple, who met as new teachers at the school in 1996, have spent their entire careers at Virginia Run and recently celebrated their daughter’s college graduation.
Their story highlights the lasting impact that long-term educators can have on a school community. Dave Gerstner, principal of Virginia Run Elementary School, said, “Their impact is a love story not just between them, but between them and every student they’ve guided. For 30 years, they’ve shown that teaching is not just a job — it’s a lifelong bond with the entire community.”
The Antoncics began their teaching careers during an era before internet access or computers were common in schools. Josh Antoncic taught physical education while Heidi Antoncic spent most of her career teaching first and second grade before moving to fourth grade in recent years. Reflecting on her experience as an educator, Heidi said, “I was worried so much about curriculum as a new teacher, but it’s so much about relationships with the kids.”
Josh described his approach to physical education by saying, “If they can’t come into PE and have it be the most fun 30 minutes of their day, then that PE teacher messed up… I would tell myself then — and I did it — keep it fun.” Despite advice from mentors to change schools or roles every few years for professional growth, Josh remained committed to his position at Virginia Run.
As they look forward to retirement together, Josh shared plans to visit their daughter in South Carolina and enjoy more relaxed mornings. Heidi expressed excitement about having time for reading books and going for walks. She remarked that retiring now allows them both to leave “while we still love it.” On his last day of school this year Josh said about his wife: “I’m going to walk out with the same girl I walked in with… It’s been a blessing to work with you. I love you,” he said. “I love you right back,” she replied.
