This school year has been one for the record books. I feel for the kids of all ages, their families, their teachers and the entire school staff. How they even got to June is remarkable! I imagine it has been a year of calling on resiliency, persistence and sheer determination. We probably need to throw in that school recipe a large dose of patience, humor and kindness!
Recently, I was lucky enough to run into one of the teachers I worked with for many years. She shared that she had decided to retire after over 40 plus years of teaching! This amazing educator told me that another wonderful teacher was also packing up her teacher bags and would be heading on to her next journey when this school year ends. As I walked away, I thought about what makes these two teachers so incredibly special and how they will be sorely missed.
At the crux of it – they both truly cared about children and making sure that their students built upon their passion and curiosity to learn and to reach their full potential. Both of these women were consistently improving and growing their own teaching practice. I cannot even begin to contemplate how many books they read, math strategies they demonstrated, performances they directed, writing they edited, field trips they organized, tests and project evaluations they managed, bandaids given, reports written, camping trips they spirited through or history lessons they made come alive!
They created positive, thoughtful relationships with their students and families. They volunteered to be on academic committees and gave their time whenever an educator’s point of view would be helpful and impactful. They both gave generously of themselves to their students, parents, colleagues and administrators. The quality I most admired and appreciated in both of these remarkable women – honesty. Whenever they came into my office or I was in their classrooms I knew I would get a straight answer or opinion. We might not of always agreed, but I valued their experience, wisdom and thoughtfulness. They also both entertain a great sense of humor and to teach effectively you most definitely need to find the humor in the many, many moments when working with kids. The teachers I highlight in my blog are Debbie Amoroso and Martha Valciukas. Well done. I know I speak for many who thank you for touching so many young students lives and I know you touched mine.
I am happy for both these lovely ladies and they most assuredly deserve to rest, enjoy a stress free summer and when Labor Day arrives – revel in the calm! I hope the next generation of teachers will walk into their new classrooms inspired and ready to give their all to each and every student. There will be good vibes in those two classrooms of Mrs. Amoroso and Mrs. Valciukas and if walls could talk they would be cheering on the next generation!
Salutation and thanks to the teachers! I wish you all a peaceful summer (with no virtual training!) and time to recharge, renew and reenergize! You are such a talented, dedicated and caring group of people and I feel so lucky to have worked with you.
With gratitude and admiration to all educators.
Warmly,
Laine
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