A local teacher is putting away her erasers after a 45-year career in the classroom.

Barbara Slater has taught second grade at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Pelham for more than four decades, but her history goes beyond the blackboard at the school. She also spent time in a desk as a student.

"My class was the first fifth grade, first sixth grade, first seventh and the first graduating class of eighth grade," she says.

Slater is making plans to keep herself busy. She is planning a trip to Florida "just to have something to do."

For now, Slater is holding on to her memories and closing the door on a chapter of her life.

"It makes you feel good that you really helped somebody," she says.