At 102, Nation's Oldest Working Teacher Has No Plans To Retire

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Teachers and students at one New Jersey school said they hit the jackpot with one of their teachers who's been with the school for more than 20 years.

As CBS2's Hazel Sanchez reported, they call her Granny and she's been named the oldest living and working teacher in the United States.

At 102 years old, Agnes Zhelesnik certainly doesn't act her age.

"I feel like, maybe 95," she said.

Zhelesnik spent most of her adult life as a stay-at-home mom. Then at the age of 80, started her career as a cooking and sewing teacher at Sundance School in North Plainfield.

Zhelesnik's daughter, who teaches at the school too, recruited her.

"I saw how she took care of the family and I knew that she wanted to get out a little bit, and it wasn't supposed to be this extensive," said daughter Agnes Arakelian.

Zhelesnik said she loves teaching.

"It's the children, they are lovable," she said.

"Granny is a wonderful teacher and she knows lots of things that can help us do better in life," said Garrett Jancourtz.

"I've learned how to cook delicious foods with her," said Rebecca Lindvay.

The students and staff held a huge birthday celebration for Zhelesnik, who shared her secret to a long life.

"I think you have to take care of yourself and be happy," said Zhelesnik. "I had a good life, a good life."

Zhelesnik, who has no plans to retire any time soon, said another part of her secret to longevity is good food.