After more than 30 years at the North Tamworth campus the father-of-two called it a day on Friday.

Mr Haworth grew up on a property about 40 miles outside of Tamworth, where his parents still reside today, and studied at the old Christian Brothers College.

After undertaking his teacher training in Armidale, he kick-started his career in 1978 at Narromine, west of Dubbo, before being transferred to Warren Central School six months later.

But when the mathematics teachers was offered a position back at his home town in 1983 he jumped at the chance.

“A lot of teachers don’t spend as long as I have spent in one place and a lot of the time move around a bit,” Mr Haworth said.

“One thing that’s kept me here in Tamworth is that I went to school here and I have a rural background and an affinity with students in this area.”

As with any long career Mr Howard has witnessed a number of highs and a few tragic lows.

He said memorable moments included seeing so many students achieve in their respective endeavours, here and abroad.

“I just think that says wonders for country students,” the bush educator said.

“If they are committed, as well as driven, they can succeed ... and they don’t have to have a city education to make a success of themselves.”

Low lights were when illness or tragedy struck, he said, and the “devastating” fire that ripped through a quarter of the school in 2012.

Mr Haworth said teaching has changed “immensely” since he started out, citing technology and social media as having the greatest impact.

“When I first stated teaching there were no photocopying machines,” he said.

“You go into a school now and you’re lucky to find any chalk – it’s all interactive whiteboards.”

Life after school will involve more recreational and rural pursuits and travelling with wife, Vicki.