Teacher Appreciation Week

This week, I am thinking about some of the teachers who made a huge impact on my life.

My kindergarten, first, and second grade teachers taught me both the skill and the love of reading.

Mrs. Anderson, my third grade teacher, would stand on a desk to keep the class engaged.

Mr. Spurlock, my sixth grade teacher and my first male teacher, praised my handwriting and caused me the endless embarrassment of being named the "Teacher's Pet."  But I always took pride in writing neatly after that.

Mrs. Kakouris, the drama teacher, helped a shy sixth grader, who was new to the school, feel confident enough to sing and act onstage.

Mrs. Manning, my junior high chorus teacher, made me feel like I was not only talented, but that I was a part of something very special.

Mrs. B. and Ms. Perry, my High School drama teachers, made me dare to dream of a life on stage. Perhaps it wasn't Broadway in the end, but, trust me, I perform everyday!

The incredible Mrs. Napoli, my twelfth grade Humanities teacher, inspired my lifelong love of art, drama, music, and history.

My professors at the University of Florida gave me a firm foundation in education and child development, providing excellent preparation for my life in the classroom.

These are just a few of the wonderful teachers who have had an impact on my life.  I feel them with me whenever I am in front of a classroom.  I hear their words, their kindness, their passion, whenever I am trying to get through a difficult lesson or help a child understand a difficult concept.

These are just a few of the teachers who have influenced me during my time as a student.

As a teacher, I have been blessed to be surrounded by wonderful educators.  These teachers touch my life every day. They encourage me. They inspire me.  They provide a daily reminder of why I became a teacher in the first place.  So, I'll end this tribute by saying a huge "Thank You" to all of the teachers who do the difficult work of educating our future everyday.  THANK YOU ALL

I hope you all have a happy Teacher Appreciation Week!