Appreciating Our Teachers

Behind every lesson plan is a person who deserves appreciation too.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, students often give thank-yous, but how often do we take the time to really get to know the people who teach us? Earlier this week, teachers were invited to fill out a form about what they wish their students understood about their job, small student actions that mean a lot, and their go-to snack during the school day.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the teacher’s answers.

At Risk Teacher

Mrs. Pauly

1. What’s one thing you wish students understood about your job?

It's hard to help students in every subject area for all 4 grade levels!

2. What’s one small thing students do that actually means a lot?

Cleaning up after themselves

3. What’s your go-to snack during the school day?

Chips

English

Mrs. Sambdman

1. What’s one thing you wish students understood about your job?

It is wildly weird. The sounds. The smells. Y'all are kinda feral, and I love it. Never a dull moment for sure. 

2. What’s one small thing students do that actually means a lot?

Turn things in on time and try - I love it when kids put effort into their own education.

3. What’s your go-to snack during the school day?

I feed on the stress and tears of my students - it nourishes my soul...and a good ole Cosmic Crisp apple or some chocolate.

Mrs. Solbrig

1. What’s one thing you wish students understood about your job?

That teachers are people too, and that we really do want you to succeed.

2. What’s one

   small thing students do that actually means a lot?

Tell me about what they are reading! It makes me SO happy.

3. What’s your go-to snack during the school day?

Pizza Goldfish 

I-JAG

Mr. Stewart

1. What’s one thing you wish students understood about your job?

That we truly do care about these kids and their futures. 

2. What’s one small thing students do that actually means a lot?

Coming to my room and talking about something good that happened to them, whether that's getting a new job, getting a grade up, etc. 

3. What’s your go-to snack during the school day?

Popcorn

Industrial Tech

Mr. Linnenbrink

1. What’s one thing you wish students understood about your job?

How much pride we take in our career and how personal it is related to student success or failure. Also, the frustration of students not doing their best and performing close to their potential. On the other end of the spectrum is how great it feels when students are successful and put time and effort into a course or a project.

2. What’s one small thing students do that actually means a lot?

Giving a great effort and having a wonderful attitude.

3. What’s your go-to snack during the school day?

Pepsi

Librarian

Mrs. Peters

1. What’s one thing you wish students understood about your job?

We are here to help them and not hinder them. We genuinely care about their well-being. 

2. What’s one small thing students do that actually means a lot?

Say, "thank you" or any other polite phrase.

3. What’s your go-to snack during the school day?

Fruit and cheese

Math

Mrs. Johnson

1. What’s one thing you wish students understood about your job?

How much we want students to succeed, and we often think about how we can help.

2. What’s one small thing students do that actually means a lot?

Saying thank you when I pass out a test to them! Checking their work and caring about the feedback we provide.

3. What’s your go-to snack during the school day?

Skinny popcorn

Science

Mr. Tippet

1. What’s one thing you wish students understood about your job?

That holding students accountable and to high standards is not a penalty... just trying to help them be successful so students can reach the goals that are important for them down the road.

2. What’s one small thing students do that actually means a lot?

The thank you letters or emails from service clubs or on their own mean a lot... It's hard to know that we are making a difference at times; sometimes it is just saying thank you. 

3. What’s your go-to snack during the school day?

Dark chocolate

Social Studies

Mr. Greenwood

1. What’s one thing you wish students understood about your job?

That we care. Just like a parent who tries to help their kids, sometimes students don't see that we want them to be successful. 

2. What’s one small thing students do that actually means a lot?

Participate.

3. What’s your go-to snack during the school day?

Sadly, Belvita breakfast biscuits. But I would much rather have non-processed food.

Spanish

Mrs. McGee

1. What’s one thing you wish students understood about your job?

Even though some days may be frustrating, I really love teaching!

2. What’s one small thing students do that actually means a lot?

Wrapping up my borrowed Chromebook charger and returning it to me!

3. What’s your go-to snack during the school day?

You can never go wrong with Reese's peanut butter cups!

Special Education

Mrs. Funk

1. What’s one thing you wish students understood about your job?

It requires a lot of emotional energy to be available for young adults all day, five days a week. I have two young children at home, and on Thursday nights, I'm spent and have little energy for them. I enjoy teaching, but some days are very hard, and students' attitudes and energy highly impact the day. 

2. What’s one small thing students do that actually means a lot?

When they thank me for help, and when they work with me, not against me. 

3. What’s your go-to snack during the school day?

Chips/caffeine/CHOCOLATE 

Mrs. Seals

1. What’s one thing you wish students understood about your job?

We don't make all the rules, but we are expected to follow them. If teachers don't follow the rules, they can get in trouble. 

2. What’s one small thing students do that actually means a lot?

Using manners and having actual conversations. I enjoy hearing about students' lives outside of school, but it's kind of shocking (in a good way) when it's reciprocal, and they ask about my life. 

3. What’s your go-to snack during the school day?

Water, it's not really a snack, but I drink about 96 ounces during the school day.

Work-Based Learning Coordinator

Mrs. Keating

1. What’s one thing you wish students understood about your job?

I'm here to help all the students, but since I am helping all students, it may take me a while to get something scheduled.

2. What’s one small thing students do that actually means a lot?

Share their successes that I've had a small part in helping them with. It makes my day, week, entire year!!

3. What’s your go-to snack during the school day?

Chocolate!!

Conclusion

Our teachers here at North Scott deserve more than a single week of appreciation. They deserve recognition for the patience, effort, and dedication they bring to our school every day. As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, let it serve as a reminder to thank the educators who shape our classrooms and students, making a lasting impact far beyond school.