Here's a twist.....Teacher/school praise thread

[Southern4sure]

I don't know about you but I'm beginning to get tired of seeing all the threads about how: horrible teachers are, my child was given too much homework, god forbid a project, summer reading and etc. I know not all teachers are perfect but why so much criticism lately?

This thread is about the good in teachers/schools.

DS#1 - In 1st grade he was a very shy boy who lacked self confidence and no matter how much encouragement we gave, we never could get him out of his shell. This teacher was the best. She made him (yes made him) stand in front of the class to give oral book reports just like every other child. She didnt give in because it made him uncomfortable but she had this loving way about her that ds would do anything she asked of him. If this teacher could see DS now she'd swear he wasnt the same little boy.

 

[I Love Pluto]

Thank you for some positive thoughts on teachers.

The school year has just started, and I'm shocked at the number of criticisms of teachers and schools here on the boards. My philosophy: If you don't agree with someone or something, ask. Don't complain. Act. Negative attitudes are not healthy.

 

[princesspumpkin]

yeah!!! for all of DD-10's teachers. They have all been different, and thus have made her adapt to any and all personalities. Easy, hard, nice, not-so-nice (by Dd's standards not mine) bring them on! Hats off to all teachers - you are a special kind of people.

 

[chobie]

Well, I've joined in a complaint or two. But for the most part I think teachers and schools do the best they can and most of the complaints people have can be traced to NCLB and officials involving themselves in the school operations who have no idea how to teach.

My Dh is a highschool band teacher and we have had our share of hellish parents. However, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the parents who have given endless hours to make the band program work and who went to him first when they had a problem or concern so that he could work it out with them.

 

[TheDisneyTraveler06]

Hi Teresa! We've missed you on TMHTPT! Stop my sometime!

Anyway, DD loves her high school. Everything about it. The teachers are a little strict, she says, but that's what I think she needs.

DS loves kindergarten. Especially his teacher. She's an older teacher, and knows what she's doing. She's been teaching for over 25 years.

 

[jpmandan]

How about this.... My sons' school was completely consumed by Hurricane Katrina as were many others.
We were out of school for the entire month of September.
By some miracle (our High School splitting time with us and FEMA trailers), we were back in school by October 4.
Our test scores were just released AND (drum roll please) ALL of our schools are still a Level 5 (highest rating) and met AYP (Federal Standards)!!!!!
St. Martin Schools, Jackson County School District, MISSISSIPPI
I challenge any school district to do as well!!

Kudos to the teachers and administrators that pulled us through the past year. We love you!

 

[Katnmouse]

Thanks for the support.

 

[Allison]

I'm very thankful for the job my kids teachers do. I know I would not be good at it. We just had a meeting with my son's first grade teacher. She was amazing.

 

[wendyl]

My son (5th grade) came home after the first day of school and actually uttered the phrase "I think it's going to be a GREAT year. My teacher is really nice and seems so happy about our class. She really has an upbeat voice". That is NOT an exaggeration and those were his words---and such an important reminder to me (a teacher) that my attitude has ALOT to do with the attitudes of the students in my class. Conversely, I have to remember that MY attitude as a parent about his teacher, school, and school work will have ALOT to do with his attitudes about it all. You better believe I will keep all facial expressions, sighs, negative thoughts and feelings TO MYSELF when talking with him about school. I want to keep that same positive energy going---it's a FRAGILE THING!!!

 

[NMAmy]

I wish this wouldn't turn into a parent bashing, poor teachers thread in retailiation for the other threads.

DD has had some truly wonderful teachers over the years. Her kindergarten teacher was a fantastic woman who had been teaching for 25 years and was still so excited and happy to see the kids every day. She was a gem--and adored Disneyland/WDW.

When she was in 3rd grade, my ex and I divorced. She was obviously emotionally troubled and her teacher was so fantastic. DD was a worrier (which the divorce made worse) and her teacher gave dd her home phone number in case she had any questions. She also told her that if Mom thought that dd had misunderstood the assignment--go by what Mom said. That got rid of the whole, "But Mrs. C says we HAVE to do this" which was usually something totally unrealistic and NOT what the teacher had intended. Mrs. C was a lifesave for both dd and I that year. DD still sees her from time to time.

DD's English teacher last year was incredibly enthusiastic and got 9th graders SO excited about Romeo and Juliet that I couldn't believe it. DD was rushing home after school to discuss it with me. He taught them how to give Shakespearean insults and the kids had a blast. They also wrote alternative endings to the story and prologues that discussed what the kids thought might have caused the feud. He gave my dd what I feel will be a lifelong appreciation and love of Shakespeare. She immediately started reading some of his other plays.

And, yes, I have dd write a thank you note each year to teachers who have made a difference to her. We even got Mr. S a Shakespeare bobblehead doll. Teachers do a world of good and I'm so grateful for the wonderful people who have helped my dd grow to be a better person.

I had some pretty great teachers myself growing up!

 

[ktpool]

My dd 2nd grade teacher was so wonderful - she lives a couple of blocks down and we see her all the time. She always has nice things to say. I can't wait until my ds has her next year

We have had only good teachers in our short school careers. They have all been supportive and encouraging to both my children.

 

[JulieWent]

I have spent the past five years dreading my son's first week in middle school. He started sixth grade August 9, and it's been wonderful, thanks to the extra efforts of three of the most amazing teachers I have ever met (and I'm a teacher, so I've met some pretty amazing people in this profession)! One is a first year science teacher -- Mr. C. -- who is able to convey the excitement of science and stay organized enough to meet each of the accommodations on my son's IEP without a blink. I've never met a first year teacher that capable. And, get this, my son has told three different people that MATH is his favorite subject this year! You go, Mrs. M!

Julie

 

[paigevz]

I am a teacher, and I sure do love to get compliments...........don't get many, but I'll take 'em when I can get 'em.

But to give some: DS 2 has just started preschool and he LOVES it. His teacher has them journaling, is starting homework, and has great limits and structure..........his day is jampacked with LOTS of different activities. We are very pleased.

DS1 just started middle school. He also loves it. He just had Open HOUse at his school, and I met all the teachers.........they all knew who he was and some little things about him........I could tell they enjoy their subjects and teaching.

His 5th grade teacher got him to love reading.

His 4th grade teacher gave HUGE projects, but instilled a love of science and a sense of major accomplishment, as well as showing them how to break things down to make them more mangeable. She also helped him make HUGE gains in writing.

His 3rd grade teacher helped him organize. He has kept his room neat and had his homework done without being told ever since her class. She was the most organized teacher I have ever known.

His 2nd grade teacher leveled with another teacher for math, which allowed him to embrace his true talent.

His 1st grade teacher taught him how to be "one of the group"...........really a very valuable lesson to an only (at that time) child.

His K teacher instilled a love of music that continues to this day.

Kudos to all those teachers!

 

[TimeforMe]

This may not sound like a big deal to most parents, but if you knew my DS, you'd get it. He is a very cynical but extremely bright 16 year old who really never has much at all to say about his teachers. On the first day of school, he came home and after some small chit-chat about his day told me that he really liked his AP American Studies and contributed quite a bit during class. When he was walking out, the teacher patted him on the back and said "great job today buddy". Well, for him to even mention that to me was a big deal so I know it meant a lot to him. Thanks teachers for all you do---you truly make a difference in our children's lives.

 

[CEDmom]

Well, I'm the daughter of a teacher so I know how amazing a good teacher is.

Our DD is just about to start 2nd grade in a new district and so far our experience has been a positive one. Her 1st grade teacher was very welcoming to parents and really cared about what was going on at home that might affect a child at school.

Our DD is very sensitive and things that might not bother other kids at all really affect her. We had a few incidents last year that seemed trivial but her teacher and others took them very seriously because they knew DD was upset by them.

Her teachers really helped her come out of her shell and I've witnessed DD stand up for herself in a constructive way.

Because of her art teacher we recognized that DD has real artistic talent and she helped us find ways to nurture that outside of school. I don't know if we would have discovered that on our own.

Our new district seems amazing. School starts on Thursday and we've already been made to feel welcome and it seems like a real community. We're all really looking forward to a great year.

 

[Caradana]

Like CEDmom, I am also the daughter of a teacher, and I hold what she does in the highest of reverence.

My mother's first day of the school year is this coming Wednesday, but it would be utterly wrong to assume that Wednesday will be her first day of work. She's read over 2,000 pages of IEPs for her new students. She knows each by name. She's emailed parents and aligned meetings for the next two months. She's decorated the boards and personalized the desks. She is a wonderment. It's my honor to watch her teach seventh-grade special education and behold all of the patience I one day hope to have.

Wishing all a wonderful year!

 

[Maryr1]

My DD8 is developmentally delayed. She is mainstreamed and attends a private school. Her 2nd grade teacher was the most wonderful,caring,special,nuturing teacher in the world. I kid you not.We were so lucky& blessed for our DD to have her. EVERY day when I picked up DD, no matter what happened that day,she found something good to share. We were so inspired by her. I will never forget the gifts she gave us last year-always being positive, giving us hope,inspiring us,helping us to discover and embrace the good things in everyday struggles....and teaching my daughter to carry these things in her heart. She instilled a love of learning in my daughter that makes my job so much easier. Not once did my daughter cry going to school-this teacher always went the extra mile. She really was a dream come true. She and I both cried the last day of school-actually the last month! She became a true friend,mentor and role model. What a woman!!!! If I live to be 100,I will never forget her. There is no way to thank her.

 

[Southern4sure]

Bumping because I know more needs to be said.............

 

[Danauk]

Growing up I was fortunate to have some amazing teachers who without their encouragement and belief in my abilities I would not have achieved what I have done in my life. When I was 8 all the children in my class were given the chance to learn an instrument. I was given the trumpet to learn and the instrumental teacher said I would never be able to play the instrument and suggested I try something else. I was really upset as I really wanted to play the instrument. So my class teacher took me aside during her lunch break (she was fortunately a musician herself) and helped me. Long story short, I became one of the youngest people in the country to pass the highest level instrumental exam (I passed the exam usually taken by 16/17 year olds when I was 13!) Years later when I was 21 I graduated with an honours music degree. As it happened my teacher from my younger days was doing her masters degree at the same university and we both graduated in the same ceremony! We made sure we had a picture taken together of us in our caps and gowns!!
I was again fortunate to have another amazing music teacher in high school. She started teaching when I was 14 and I was her first exam class to see through until I left school at 18 (I'm English so our curriculum is different to the US). This lady was not only an educator, she was a councillor when I was low and always had time for me(think hormonal teenager here!) and an inspiration who truely cared. She would come to her students concerts on a weekend despite having a young family and truly cared about every one of them.
I fortunately still keep in contact with both these wonderful ladies many years later. Many times I have thanked them for what they did when I was younger. Both their replies was that they were just doing their job.

 

[doxdogy]

It is because of Sister Paul that I know my multiplication tables inside and out. Every day we would say the times table out loud over and over again. I actually had a boss ask me once if I had a calculator in my head. Because before he could finish the problem on the calculator I would give him the answer. Sister Josephine gave up many a Saturday to tutor me in pre-algebra because she knew I just wasn't making the connection and to this day algebra still makes no sense.