She has taken up a full-time social studies, English and geography teaching position at Alexandra's Dunstan High School, where she was once head girl.
As her role at the museum was part-time, she had also been working part-time teaching at the high school but wanted one full-time job, ''and teaching is my first love''.
''I can't wait to go back [to Dunstan] and experience it on the other side, and I'm loving being back in Alex.''
She said she had enjoyed her time at the museum, particularly working with the district's artists and featuring their work, which is something she was keen to see continue.
She was also keen to see the museum ''grow and become more pivotal in the community ... I think the community needs to get more involved, needs to come in and chat with the people that work here, we need to hear what the community wants.''
Miss Checketts' role at the museum was a new one, created by a restructure. Now that she is moving on, the museum board is once again considering a restructure, general manager Rachael Welfare said.
''It's all a bit up in the air but I don't think we will find another Rachel. It's been amazing working with her. We're really going to miss her terribly.''
In the meantime, she said, they would be taking on a couple of research assistants to help with some big exhibitions - sheep in Central Otago and the World War 1 centenary.
