This first week in May is Teacher Appreciation Week. I have decided that this post for the week should be about my favorite teachers and memories to celebrate this special week. Even though my memories are starting to fade into the distance, I still have fond memories of my teachers. They are the reason why I am a teacher today.

Elementary School

For most of my elementary school years K-6, I was in a very small class usually 5 to 6 kiddos including me. The class sizes were so small I would have the same teacher for two years in a row. It is during these years when I learned that even though you may do everything your teacher expects you to do, sometimes one person ruins it for everyone.

Mrs. L

I had Mrs. L as my 5th and 6th-grade teacher. I absolutely loved her style of teaching. She was very hands-on, gave you chances to fix your mistakes, and cared about her students even if she didn’t show it. Mrs. L loved to tell stories about her family and elk hunting adventures. We would try to get her to talk about elk hunting so we didn’t have to do our lessons. Many times it worked. She wasn’t afraid to get dirty during art projects (we even were able to use a router in 6th grade to make a sign). At recess time, she was playing right there with us. I remember her playing kickball with us, pushing us off the snow hill to be “King (Queen) of the mountain, and pushing us on the swings. But most of all, she was there to encourage us and help us to be our very best.

Mrs. B

When I was in second grade I couldn’t wait to have Mrs. B for my teacher in third grade. And I was going to have her for two years!! She is one of those teachers who radiates friendship and love to her students. But, you also knew where the line was if you tested it. She corrected you out of kindness and love as well. I had a tough fourth-grade year. I had chicken pox for two weeks close to Christmas and I had a broken collar bone from a sledding accident during recess. She had the students write letters to me when I was home with the chicken pox (I still have them) and was very compassionate when I couldn’t use my dominant hand for awhile after the sledding accident. She was always willing to listen to you and would be there to help if there was a concept you couldn’t understand.

I was checking out my old alma mater to see who was still teaching there. And sure enough, Mrs. B is still there, just as I remember, looking beautiful and sweet and hasn’t changed one bit! I need her secret!

Junior and High School

My junior and high school years were kind of a blur to me. Or maybe it is selective memory. There isn’t any teacher that stands out to me during these years. You ask any adult what was the worst time in their education and most will say middle/junior high school. That was true for me.

We moved from our class of five and consolidated with the neighboring town and now had a class of 17. I didn’t know these kids and it was (and still is) hard for me to make friends. Not only was my body changing into something from another planet, but my social circle was diminishing rapidly as my friends were finding new friends to hang with. I basically went through the motions just to get school over with and because I had to go per my parents.

High school was much better. Essentially because I was shot by Cupid’s arrow. It was during high school I met my one and only future husband. Do you think I paid attention in high school and strived for all A’s and a 4.0? Nope. I went to high school for one reason only…to see Micky. I was an average student. B’s and C’s mostly and an occasional D for Math/Algebra (my worst subject). I remember my teachers, but no one really stands out as to going above and beyond to help if I didn’t understand the lesson.

Shout Out!

So here’s a shout out to all the teachers past, present, and who I am currently working with, that helped me to get where I am today. Even though I may complain and be frustrated with this profession from time to time, I still truly love it. It fills my heart to know that I have touched a life in some way through my teaching even if they don’t say it to me personally.

Just this past Friday I had a Senior come up to me saying that he still has the card I wrote to him in eighth grade on his bulletin board and it changed him for the better. What a moment! It’s those moments why I am still teaching and will continue to teach for years to come. You can read my post about my cards HERE.

If you see a teacher this week, tell them Thank You! It is one of the hardest and most important professions. being a teacher taxes you mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually. Trying to get 25-30 students to learn under crazy circumstances and distractions is difficult. Show the teachers that what they are doing is worth it and they are appreciated.

Those of us who have been open since September have gone through one of the most challenging years in our careers. My staff conquered this pandemic with grace, dignity, tenacity, and a willingness to educate our students no matter what. It’s because of that spirit I am truly blessed to be working with all of them.