This last week I heard several testimonials from both adults and students about the influence teachers and other staff members have had on their lives. Each story highlighted how a teacher, counselor, custodian, nurse, lunch lady, among others, changed their course, gave them hope, never gave up on them, and if something didn't work, they tried something else. It doesn't matter the position, it is the power of the words and actions taken every day that make a difference.
In celebration of Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, I would like to sincerely thank you for believing in students even when they don't believe in themselves, giving two minutes to listen when you have a million other things on your mind, trying a new strategy even when you think you have tried everything, welcoming a student back into a classroom after a significant behavior event, being an advocate when no one else will. There are no guarantees that you will ever know how much you have influenced a student's life, however you will know that you took advantage of every opportunity to make a difference!
I would like to conclude with a quick video on the simple truths of appreciation.
In Appreciation for my son's 1st. Grade teacher Coleen Fagan (gone but not forgotten). My son very active was diagnosed with ADHD in Kindergarten very lucky to have Coleen Fagan in 1st grade. She still allowed him to tap his pencil at his desk, just quieted with a sponge curler from the dollar store. And he was allowed to tap his feet at his desk, quieted with a rubber band around the legs of the desk. He was much better without being told to be quiet all the time. He graduated last year. Thank you!!!
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