Teacher Appreciation Week 2021

I had this hope that each day this week on facebook I was going to send some notes of appreciation but then I.... didn't, ha. But, I have been thinking about all the people I wanted to appreciate this week and so I thought I should compose this before time slipped away again!

To recap from Monday, when I did write an appreciation, the first one I sent out was to LeeAnn, a friend from my first year of teaching. That year, I was so lucky to cross paths with LeeAnn, she was on my team! She was passionate then about technology (and as you can see, she still is today!) I remember that I got my first Mac at Creighton and learned about digital video cameras (this was 2003, people) and all things tech from LeeAnn. She inspired me with gaggle net (I think it was a kid friendly search engine?) and I was quickly learning about digital pictures and videos and iMovie and blogging too! I can’t imagine a teaching life without technology and LeeAnn, you led me in that direction with love, patience, and constant reflection. That and showing me how to teach with firm, yet loving classroom management. Thank you for inspiring me and happy teacher appreciation week, friend!

A few years after that, I had two amazing teachers at Arizona State for grad school - Charlotte and Susanna. Their class was Reading Assessment, and it was the two of them and their curriculum that changed my whole philosophy of education. Prior to knowing these two beautiful people, I was very behaviorist in my approach with kids. But, with their knowledge I realized how much better a social constructivist perspective is as far as learning for students go. They introduced me to Lucy Calkins and Nancy Atwell. Kelly Gallagher and Ralph Fletcher. And of course Yetta Goodman and Louise Rosenblatt. Their impact will be felt for years to come, and I can't imagine where I'd be without them!

And next, Christine Jantz - girl, you taught me so much about literacy. You helped me turn theory into practice! Thank you for for all of your knowledge in reading and writing that you generously offered me (anecdotal notes...hello authentic data collection!), and also, the ear when I was just learning about how to be a coach. I'm so glad we had those few years together when we shared an office. It was really some of the best moments spending them together with you!

Emerson teachers, a note of thanks to you as well. Working with you gave me a tiny insight into all the things elementary teachers do so well, especially your knowledge about differentiation. You all had one of the biggest impacts on my instruction; I learned how to do conferring best from all of you! Thank you for all you do for your students, and super big hug from me for being so impactful on my view of highly effective instruction.

Leah and Amy, I offer an appreciation to you two next. You were there for me as I transitioned from the classroom to the coaching role. Still to this day, we learn together, problem solve together, and lean on one another. I have learned so much from you working at your side on various projects, and I'm just really excited about what will come next. Thank you for all you do for the teachers in our district, and especially for me!

Heritage teachers, major props for all your work on one of the strangest years ever. Without skipping a beat, you changed the whole format of teaching and made it remote, and then hybrid. You took the already amazing work we have been doing the past few years and found ways to innovate it on zoom and then on zoom *and with kids in front of you. Thank you for talking lessons through with me (you know I love those learning progressions!) and showing up for me when I needed you. And making me laugh on the daily. There's not another school I think I could feel more home at, and it's not lost on me that it's the people that make you feel that way. Love you guys!

Wouldn't be my blog without a nod to an educator I'm learning from via PD books, and this year, it's Elena Aguilar. Thank you for all the work you do to teach and inspire coaches. Your book, Coaching for Equity, is one of the best books I've read in a few years. Thank you for sharing the ways you have coached others around implicit bias and racism. As teachers, we are lucky to serve others in ways that can leave a lasting impact on others, and I so value the work you've done and then shared with us. I'm on the path, and looking forward to learning more about this important work in the months and years to come.

Finally, Allison and Michelle, my principals who are teachers at heart. I want to send a note of gratitude for the way you taught me through your leadership. From you I learned that sharing leadership is such an effective method for building collective efficacy. You've taught me how to lead groups and you've constantly modeled a calm and loving demeanor to all of us here at HMS, and these are lessons I carry with me day-to-day. This year, thank you for all of the little notes and the staff check-in surveys, and the treats in our mailboxes. (The "pooped" emoji pen right before thanksgiving is still my fave!) I love HMS and that is in large part to the way you lead our Ohana each and every day!

Honestly, I could go on and on about teachers near and far who make a difference every day, thank you for the work you do to make our world a better place, one lesson, one conversation, and one day at a time!

Who are you thankful for? Send them a note and let them know!