Thank a Teacher
Originally Published May 2014
May 5-9 is National Teacher Appreciation Week. When I was a classroom teacher, I appreciated the thank yous and gifts that I received from students, parents, and administrators. As a building principal, I enjoyed the week as a special time to show my amazing staff how much they were appreciated and loved. But as I reflect upon my past 25 years as a teacher and administrator, I can’t help but go back to when I was a student. I would like to be sure that the educators who impacted my life in positive ways are acknowledged.
My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Patterson, taught me that the power of kindness is never to be underestimated. Her lap and arms were always open for comfort or correction. And while I have no idea how old she was back in 1971, I always wished she was my grandmother.
In first grade Mrs. Kirkpride taught me to knit. During indoor recess she was always knitting, so I asked her to teach me. So she started a recess knitting circle and taught about eight of us how to knit. I still remember the pink yarn and blue knitting needles that I used. (Probably couldn’t bring knitting needles on the bus today.) And what she really taught me was that I was important to her.
In sixth grade Mr. Wolf challenged me to think. I remember that he asked us Why? and How? And he made us give good answers.
In seventh grade I learned that teachers are people too. Mrs. Evans and Mrs. Matuska, my English and language teachers were the best of friends, or so we thought. They both had blonde Dorothy Hamill hairstyles, and they taught me to write, to read, and the preposition song. But they also took time each day at recess to talk to my friends and me. We were in awe of them. They were beautiful and fashionable, and we wanted to be like them. They gave us their time, and they taught me that giving of yourself is a beautiful thing.
In the eighth grade I learned that I could be anything that I wanted if I was willing to work for it. Mrs. _____ was my social studies teacher, and her daughter was in medical school. At the time, I thought that perhaps I would become a doctor. She never once told me that I couldn’t do it. She brought me books about women going to medical school and into fields that in the late 70’s were still primarily for men. She encouraged me and challenged me to dream big dreams.
In the ninth grade, Mr. Dibiase taught me that learning is supposed to be fun. I was fortunate to be assigned to his science class, and it was the best! He wore a white lab coat and always gave an extra credit question on every test. If you didn’t know the answer, you could always write down Kate Smith. He loved her! I don’t know why, but Kate Smith gave me about 30 extra credit points that year. We had fun in Mr. Dibiase’s class because he had fun teaching us. It was contagious.
Over my last three years of high school, I had outstanding educators who prepared me for college and career even though no one thought about it in those terms back then. Mrs. Becky May 5-9 is National Teacher Appreciation Week. When I was a classroom teacher, I appreciated the thank yous and gifts that I received from students, parents, and administrators. As a building principal, I enjoyed the week as a special time to show my amazing staff how much they were appreciated and loved. But as I reflect upon my past 25 years as a teacher and administrator, I can’t help but go back to when I was a student. I would like to be sure that the educators who impacted my life in positive ways are acknowledged.
My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Patterson, taught me that the power of kindness is never to be underestimated. Her lap and arms were always open for comfort or correction. And while I have no idea how old she was back in 1971, I always wished she was my grandmother.
In first grade Mrs. Kirkpride taught me to knit. During indoor recess she was always knitting, so I asked her to teach me. So she started a recess knitting circle and taught about eight of us how to knit. I still remember the pink yarn and blue knitting needles that I used. (Probably couldn’t bring knitting needles on the bus today.) And what she really taught me was that I was important to her.
In sixth grade Mr. Wolf challenged me to think. I remember that he asked us Why? and How? And he made us give good answers.
In seventh grade I learned that teachers are people too. Mrs. Evans and Mrs. Matuska, my English and language teachers were the best of friends, or so we thought. They both had blonde Dorothy Hamill hairstyles, and they taught me to write, to read, and the preposition song. But they also took time each day at recess to talk to my friends and me. We were in awe of them. They were beautiful and fashionable, and we wanted to be like them. They gave us their time, and they taught me that giving of yourself is a beautiful thing.
In the eighth grade I learned that I could be anything that I wanted if I was willing to work for it. Mrs. _____ was my social studies teacher, and her daughter was in medical school. At the time, I thought that perhaps I would become a doctor. She never once told me that I couldn’t do it. She brought me books about women going to medical school and into fields that in the late 70’s were still primarily for men. She encouraged me and challenged me to dream big dreams.
In the ninth grade, Mr. Dibiase taught me that learning is supposed to be fun. I was fortunate to be assigned to his science class, and it was the best! He wore a white lab coat and always gave an extra credit question on every test. If you didn’t know the answer, you could always write down Kate Smith. He loved her! I don’t know why, but Kate Smith gave me about 30 extra credit points that year. We had fun in Mr. Dibiase’s class because he had fun teaching us. It was contagious.
Over my last three years of high school, I had outstanding educators who prepared me for college and career even though no one thought about it in those terms back then. Mrs. Becky Manning taught me to care about others and that teachers could be friends without crossing any lines and retaining their professionalism. Senor Merle Russo taught me that you can always have a do-over. After three year of Latin I signed up for Spanish I in my senior year. When I answered all of the questions on the first test in Latin, he laughed and let me retake the test with no penalty. Mr. Don Herron taught anatomy and physiology; what I learned was how to read critically, how to take notes from a college level text, and how to study. He also understood the power of hands-on learning. I dissected a cow femur, a frog, and a pregnant cat!
Mrs. Kathleen Hissam, taught me not to be afraid to ask questions. She was a very serious teacher of Algebra II. Some might say she was intimidating. When I was having some trouble with the FOIL method, my mom showed me a different way of doing it. I nervously showed Mrs. Hissam and asked if I could use it. She said, “Of course!” and had me show it to others. After that, I was the designated questioner in the class. Mr. David Price taught me to love literature. His class was always interesting, and he showed me that teachers should inspire their students. He did!
Mr. Robert Shansky taught me to think for myself and speak up. When the Board of Education was going to change a student activity rule without consulting the students, I went before the board of education to express the thoughts of students. They didn’t change the rule, and I still have the letter that Mr. Shanksy wrote to me congratulating me on my presentation. Mr. Tom Ash, Superintendent, taught me that students have a voice and should be heard. He initiated a Superintendent’s Advisory Panel of high school students. He met with us regularly to share his thoughts, get our feedback, and listen to our ideas.
Finally, Mrs. Nessie Davis, junior and senior girls’ counselor. She helped me through the college application process, let me cry in her office when my father was very ill, laughed with us on Hi-Tri trips, explained to the assistant principal when I was late coming back from mentoring at the junior high that it was because of the snow and not because I was skipping. And she inspired me to be an educator myself even though I didn’t know it until two years later when I was a sophomore in college. Unfortunately, Mrs. Davis passed away before I graduated college, and I never was able to tell her the incredible impression she made upon me.
All of these teachers have impacted my life. They have helped to shape who I am as a citizen, parent, friend, and educator. They are a part of me, and I am most thankful. If you have an educator or school staff person who has impacted you for good, tell them. It means more than gifts or cards. After all, we become educators not for the extrinsic rewards but for the chance to touch the future.
