Teacher Appreciation
One great teacher can make all the difference. Teachers may not always see the impact of their work on kids and families, but the testimonies we received from parents, teachers, and students themselves are proof that good teaching is a powerful thing.
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Contest Winners
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we asked our online community to write in and tell us about the teachers who make a difference in their lives. We received messages from across the country that spoke to the dedication, commitment, and compassion of hundreds of teachers.
The winner of our drawing is Vanessa from Illinois, who told us about her second grade teacher, Mrs. Rhodes.
Mrs. Rhodes always encouraged us and made learning so fun. All of my classmates were bilingual even though we were taught in English. I can still remember a song she taught us for Christmas that was in Spanish. She valued our culture and that was so important. I also became a teacher because of her influence. I teach 1st grade bilingual now.
Congratulations to Vanessa, who won a video iPod, and to Mrs. Rhodes, who won a $100 gift certificate to the Learning Store! And thanks to everyone who submitted an entry.
Author/Illustrator Video Interviews§
Patricia Polacco
The Teacher Who Changed Everything (2:00)
Patricia Polacco recalls the day her teacher discovered her dyslexia and, with dignity and compassion, gave her the support she needed to overcome it.
Listen to more from Patricia Polacco >>
Tomie dePaola
Real Artists Don't Copy (2:00)
Tomie dePaola recounts with remarkable clarity the true story that inspired his popular book, The Art Lesson, and why his art teacher became his hero.
Listen to more from Tomie dePaola >>
Bruce Degan
Painting Privileges (0:40)
Bruce Degan talks about a teacher who encouraged his artistic skills and inspired him to pursue an art career.
Listen to more from Bruce Degan >>
William Joyce
Teachers (1:00)
William Joyce explains why he credits certain grade school teachers with his successful career path.
Listen to more from William Joyce >>
Bill Martin, Jr.
If You're Going to Be a Writer, You've Got to Be a Reader (1:45)
Bill Martin, Jr. recounts how a professor showed faith in him to pursue a writing career, and gave him six books to begin his journey.
Listen to more from Bill Martin, Jr. >>
Find many more author interviews in Reading Rockets' Books and Authors section.
Stories From the Heart
Taking a Personal Interest
Jesús Yáñez is a paraprofessional who works with ESL students at South St. Paul High School in Minnesota. A native of Mexico, Mr. Yáñez can relate to the wonder of students from southern climates who have never before seen snow, as well as the bewilderment of students enrolled in classes that are conducted in another language.
Bringing National Resources to a Local Level
Deborah Wilkes grew up on the outskirts of Nottingham, England, in the shadow of Sherwood Forest. While she doesn't claim inspiration from the Robin Hood legend, she does spend a great deal of time helping others. Named North Carolina's "Migrant Teacher of the Year" in 2003, Ms. Wilkes teaches English as a Second Language in Sanford, North Carolina, and is also the lead teacher for the county's two middle schools and high schools.
Using Technology to Create a Visual Learning Environment
The needs, struggles, and achievements of English language learners are diverse and unique; understanding them is not always easy for educators. However, some educators were ELLS themselves and therefore have a bit of insiders' knowledge. Such is the case of Alma Milan, a certified ESL teacher at Kosciuszko Middle School.
Inventing Superheroes and Writing About Their Adventures
All teachers want their students to achieve excellence in school and in life, and in this quest, they often achieve excellence themselves. How about achieving super-hero status? That is exactly what Cassandra Lawrence (aka "Book Woman") and her fourth grade class did!
Visit Colorin Colorado's Achieving Success section for more From the Heart stories.
First Person Essays
A Letter to My Grandmother
A teacher helps a child improve her handwriting through writing poetry.
Catherine Cat Kelly and the Holiday Kids
A teacher uses the dramatic arts to improve children's creativity and academic skills.
My First Day in Adult Special Education
A man describes a compassionate adult education teacher who helps him overcome his fears.
The Story of My Son
A mother describes a positive educational experience for her son that included many good teachers.
For more stories describe first-hand experiences with the challenges of learning disabilities and ADHD visit LD OnLine's First Person section.
Send an e-card
Has a particular teacher gone the extra mile to help your child? Do you have a colleague that you think is a great teacher? Did a teacher inspire you to discover your talents, overcome challenges, or find a career path?
Show your gratitude with a Teacher Appreciation e-card from Reading Rockets, and let them know that they made a difference in your life. This card features an illustration by Henry Cole.
§ To play this clip, you'll need a copy of the free RealOne Player. Most computers already have it installed, or you can download it now.