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Honoring Our Teachers

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Last night’s Teacher Appreciation Night event at Pioneer made me think about taking the opportunity to consider the yeoman’s work our teachers do each and every day.  (Teacher Appreciation Week is May 7 – 11 this year).

Michelle Rhee’s ‘Students First’ organization (www.studentsfirst.org) solicited input on six word essays that were then distributed for people to vote on.  Over 100,000 votes were cast, and the winning phrase is worth reiterating (for the story behind this submission, please visit: http://www.studentsfirst.org/blog/entry/thank-you-mr-brown/):

“I remember her fifty years later.” by Cullen A. from Indiana.

I hope we can all relate to this phrase – that we all were touched by a great teacher that went out of their way for us on at least one occasion that shaped us in an important way.  I know I have had the privilege of several such teachers in my life. 

The one that stands out, however, is Mr. Edward Stachura.  He was my high school science teacher.  He also helped establish participation in the Science Olympiad at my high school, which was no small feat for a school as small as the one I attended.  His excitement about science, his high expectations and his way of pushing me (among many others) helped me to believe that I could embrace science; that the sky was the limit.  He brought in college text books for me and encouraged me in so many ways.  I worried about disappointing him and sought his approval through my work.  He was incredibly influential in at least the following ways:

  • Teaching how to set high expectations - and then achieve them.
  • Providing an excitement and love for science and academic achievement.
  • Fostering a curiosity to keep asking questions and dig deeper.
  • Pushing/shaping my own definition of ‘excellence’.

Unfortunately, Mr. Stachura passed away a few years ago.  I attended his funeral with great sadness.  He was such a force to reckon with and we were all better for him having been here; having served as a science teacher in a small community where there weren’t many scientists.  His work put many of his students on a successful path. 

Mr. Stachura inspired me to continue supporting the Science Olympiad, of which I am a strong advocate (judged at the high school level in college; coached an elementary team).  I am proud to say that the Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO) is the largest in the US and that the AAPS continues to host the event each year.  My children have participated every year, giving them another venue to foster a love of science at an early age. 

He also inspired me to pursue science in higher education.  I received a bachelor of science in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan, which was a great start for a career where science continues to be an important interest. 

His is just one story of so many.  Teachers impact our children each and every day.  They inspire our students to do more than they could have imagined without them.  Teachers often make personal sacrifices of their own time and energy for a student that they know needs just a little bit more from them. 

Please take a few moments and reflect on the teachers that have inspired you.  Better – thank a current teacher for their hard work and dedication.  Let them know how important their role is in shaping our collective future.   And do write or call your own list of teachers that inspired you.  They need to know!

 



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