Thank you Educators, We are SO Grateful!
This week we celebrate all the innovative, creative, and unique teachers we know and love so dearly. Think of a teacher in your life that has made you feel loved and supported. What did they do for you that you will always remember or cherish? Did they help you learn a new skill that was challenging? Did they believe in you when you didn’t believe in yourself? I know every student has come in contact with a special educator that has changed their life, and we celebrate these teachers with a week full of encouragement, gifts, and words of appreciation. I have had many special educators in my life that have contributed to who I am today as a student, a teacher, and a human. Think about this special educator in your life; send them a card, a text, or an email that shares how much they truly mean to you. I guarantee this will put a smile on their face.
When I was in fourth grade, my teacher, Mrs. Shapiro changed my outlook on learning new skills that were challenging as a young student. I had personal challenges to endure during my elementary school years, and all my teachers during this time were especially helpful, kind, and loving when I needed it most. Mrs. Shapiro always showed me how much she cared and supported my learning and growing by sharing my work with the class, checking in with me about my home life, and pushed me to succeed when it came to learning my multiplication facts. I struggled with multiplication facts, but Mrs. Shapiro taught me perseverance by giving me different strategies for learning and retaining the information. We played multiplication games, used flashcards, and practiced timed fluency pages. She even wrote me inspirational words of encouragement when she noticed how much progress I was making in learning my multiplication facts. Thank you, Mrs. Shapiro, for all your love, kindness, and support when I was an elementary school student. The learning and growing I was able to accomplish was beyond any expectations I may have had for myself at that time because I had you as a teacher and mentor.
As my years as a student progressed, I came in contact with another educator who constantly pushed me to be my best self as a young adult. He challenged me every day, but he also allowed me to make my own decisions that greatly benefited my learning and growing as a teen and a student. Thank you, Mr. Cillis, for the time you dedicated to my education and personal growth. You helped me realize the importance of being a productive student in school, at home, and in my community. I learned various skills because of you and with you as we worked on solutions to numerous problems as a team. These skills and experiences have continued to mold my educational philosophy as I move through my journey as a teacher, a mentor, a coach, and even as a mother. You were my rock for many years, and to this day, we are still in touch with one another. Thank you for your willingness and commitment to being my educator and mentor over the years. I am extremely grateful, and I will always remember your advice and dedication.
We celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week each year to commemorate the commitment, dedication, love, and support all the teachers of the world give to every single student, 365 days a year. Take a moment to think about ONE educator who has changed your life in any way. Reach out to them, and share your experience with them from your point of view. This will make their day, put a smile on their face, and remind them WHY we do the work we do!