Dear Superhero Teachers (and especially to my son Daniel's Superhero Teachers),
Growing up, teachers were always my heroes, and they came in many forms. It was my grandfather, who taught me the value of education. My choir director, Miss Melinda, who brought music into my life. My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Sekiguchi, whose nurturing helped me fall in love with school. My sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Yamanuha, who helped me find my writing voice, and my high school teacher Dr. Northern, whose passion for science helped make that difficult subject my favorite one. When I became a classroom teacher, my students became my best teachers. They taught me that every day mattered; every day was one where learning, growth, and discovery could take place, where seeds could be planted, where someone could bloom.
So yes, I have always known that teachers were heroes. But I added in the SUPER part when I became a parent and realized the true power that teachers possess. My son, Daniel, was blessed with superhero teachers from the time that he was in preschool. Miss Cami, with her tickle spins and fun loving attitude brought out Daniel's energetic, playful side, while Miss Jess's sweetness helped his creativity shine. Ms. Wendy and Ms. Shannon's encouragement fueled Daniel's curiosity and confidence.
Mrs. Chang. It took me half a year to be able to talk with Daniel's current kindergarten teacher Mrs. Chang without getting teary with gratitude. Like many parents, I was anxious sending Daniel off to "big kid school" this past fall. Adding to the anxiety was that right before the year started, he began wearing leg braces, got fitted for glasses, developed a nervous breathing pattern, and started talking with an imaginary friend, "Baby Mouse." But after that first day of school, when Daniel came home beaming, chattering nonstop about Mrs. Chang, and saying that school was "better than he even dreamed it would be," I knew that we'd be just fine.
It is Mrs. Chang's modeling of respect and caring that has helped Daniel develop friendships, and her enthusiasm about teaching and learning that has made Daniel come home every day saying, "School was GREAT" and then surprising me with all kinds of new information and questions. It's Mrs. Chang's power of knowing her students and openly appreciating their uniqueness that has helped Daniel become proud of who he is, and develop the courage to take risks. He has become better and stronger because of Mrs. Chang, and I couldn't be more grateful.
I love that Daniel is excited to go to school every day, that in his favorite moments (like the first time he surfed with his big brother) he tells me that he can't wait to write about it in his "Ducky Book" at school, and I love that he calls himself a reader, writer, and complex thinker. I am thankful that due to his computer teacher Miss Choy, Daniel is becoming an ethical and responsible technology user and because of his PE teacher, Mrs. Lum, he is stronger, more skilled and confident, and a better team player. I am thankful for Daniel's time with Mr. Ikehara (music), Mrs. Graham (library), and Kupuna (Hawaiian Studies), for they are all shaping him to be more grounded, well rounded, and appreciative of life's beautiful things- music, books, language, and history.
I realize, when I think of my son's own teachers, how you teachers are all SUPERheroes. You might not even see yourself as a superhero, but trust me, your students do. And their parents do as well. You take our children, as they are, and use your unique powers for good- making them stronger and better. You are resilient- showing up day after day in the toughest of conditions, because you know that your work will make this world a more beautiful place. And you save the day- your kind, encouraging words, your enthusiasm, your genuine love for learning- all of that- brings light every day into the lives of the students you teach.
Know that today, and every day, we appreciate you and the superhero you are.
Want to show your favorite superhero teacher what they mean to you? Download this "I appreciate _______ because ______" pdf and share it! #ThankATeacher #MahaloTeacher
Growing up, teachers were always my heroes, and they came in many forms. It was my grandfather, who taught me the value of education. My choir director, Miss Melinda, who brought music into my life. My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Sekiguchi, whose nurturing helped me fall in love with school. My sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Yamanuha, who helped me find my writing voice, and my high school teacher Dr. Northern, whose passion for science helped make that difficult subject my favorite one. When I became a classroom teacher, my students became my best teachers. They taught me that every day mattered; every day was one where learning, growth, and discovery could take place, where seeds could be planted, where someone could bloom.
So yes, I have always known that teachers were heroes. But I added in the SUPER part when I became a parent and realized the true power that teachers possess. My son, Daniel, was blessed with superhero teachers from the time that he was in preschool. Miss Cami, with her tickle spins and fun loving attitude brought out Daniel's energetic, playful side, while Miss Jess's sweetness helped his creativity shine. Ms. Wendy and Ms. Shannon's encouragement fueled Daniel's curiosity and confidence.
Mrs. Chang. It took me half a year to be able to talk with Daniel's current kindergarten teacher Mrs. Chang without getting teary with gratitude. Like many parents, I was anxious sending Daniel off to "big kid school" this past fall. Adding to the anxiety was that right before the year started, he began wearing leg braces, got fitted for glasses, developed a nervous breathing pattern, and started talking with an imaginary friend, "Baby Mouse." But after that first day of school, when Daniel came home beaming, chattering nonstop about Mrs. Chang, and saying that school was "better than he even dreamed it would be," I knew that we'd be just fine.
It is Mrs. Chang's modeling of respect and caring that has helped Daniel develop friendships, and her enthusiasm about teaching and learning that has made Daniel come home every day saying, "School was GREAT" and then surprising me with all kinds of new information and questions. It's Mrs. Chang's power of knowing her students and openly appreciating their uniqueness that has helped Daniel become proud of who he is, and develop the courage to take risks. He has become better and stronger because of Mrs. Chang, and I couldn't be more grateful.
I love that Daniel is excited to go to school every day, that in his favorite moments (like the first time he surfed with his big brother) he tells me that he can't wait to write about it in his "Ducky Book" at school, and I love that he calls himself a reader, writer, and complex thinker. I am thankful that due to his computer teacher Miss Choy, Daniel is becoming an ethical and responsible technology user and because of his PE teacher, Mrs. Lum, he is stronger, more skilled and confident, and a better team player. I am thankful for Daniel's time with Mr. Ikehara (music), Mrs. Graham (library), and Kupuna (Hawaiian Studies), for they are all shaping him to be more grounded, well rounded, and appreciative of life's beautiful things- music, books, language, and history.
I realize, when I think of my son's own teachers, how you teachers are all SUPERheroes. You might not even see yourself as a superhero, but trust me, your students do. And their parents do as well. You take our children, as they are, and use your unique powers for good- making them stronger and better. You are resilient- showing up day after day in the toughest of conditions, because you know that your work will make this world a more beautiful place. And you save the day- your kind, encouraging words, your enthusiasm, your genuine love for learning- all of that- brings light every day into the lives of the students you teach.
Know that today, and every day, we appreciate you and the superhero you are.
Want to show your favorite superhero teacher what they mean to you? Download this "I appreciate _______ because ______" pdf and share it! #ThankATeacher #MahaloTeacher