Teacher Appreciation, from the Collaborative for Student Success

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, a time to celebrate the teachers that have made a difference in our lives and the hard work of educators everywhere who help students learn and grow. At the Collaborative for Student Success, we strive to acknowledge teachers’ contributions as a cornerstone of our education system and lift up their voices in our daily work. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, my team and I have reflected on the educators that have been important in our lives, for us as students and parents.

Jim Cowen, Executive Director

Mr. Becknell was my 4th-grade math teacher at Maple Lane Elementary School in South Bend, IN. He was the first teacher that gave me real confidence that you can accomplish far more than you think you can. A former Navy Diver, he was a strong disciplinarian and pushed me more than any teacher or instructor had at that point in my life. There was no misunderstanding of the expectations for success in his class. It was hard. He taught in a manner that required everyone to participate. You would be called upon in front of your peers. But he was also compassionate and tolerated no bullying or shaming for someone who needed help. In fact, the class became more like a team and began helping each other out so the whole group could improve. He was a lover of chess and required that every student learn the game. When you finished an exam or your homework early, you played chess with the other students. If you were the first to finish, you got to play Mr. Becknell one-on-one in front of the class on a small chess board that he had scribbled with a Sharpie on a pull-out shelf on the side of his desk. That was an honor. Mr. Becknell wanted nothing more than to be the first “Teacher in Space.” He passed several stages of the selection process but ultimately was not selected. That spot, of course, was filled by the legendary Christa McAuliffe. 

Erika Ross, Communications Specialist

For Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to personally thank Mrs. Vanessa Brown, my 4th grade English teacher at Coleman Army Airfield (where she still teaches many years later). She was my favorite teacher not only because she held me to high standards, but also because she looked like me. I distinctly remember how Mrs. Brown made me feel confident, supported, and like I could take on the world with my brain and little hands. So, for that Mrs. Brown, I thank you. Thank you for being the role model that I needed and for pushing me to reach my full potential.

Ashley Zanchelli, Director of Communications

When I moved from Rural England to Northern California in the summer before 6th grade, my parents enrolled me in summer school. Ms. Gaab taught a math course as part of summer school that started introducing students to algebra. While I didn’t really have a language barrier coming from another English-speaking country, I did have quite a bit of culture shock (who were Ricky Martin and Shania Twain? How much were dimes or quarters worth?). But I remember having the best time in Ms. Gaab’s class because she made the lessons fun and approachable, having us use different approaches to understand concepts. (She also taught me which coins were which.) The next three years at that school were really challenging socially but Ms. Gaab’s class was always a place where I felt comfortable. She gave me a strong foundation for math as I went into high school, which I will forever be grateful for.

Tina Scott, Administrative Specialist

Unfortunately, I can’t recall any special teacher that stood out during my years of education. However, since becoming a parent, I have witnessed some awesome teachers in my kids’ schools. The one that comes to mind was my stepson’s 3rd-grade teacher Mr. Smith at Phyllis E. Williams in Largo, MD. When I first entered into my son’s life, I could immediately tell that he was way behind in his reading, writing, and math. What amazed me was how his grades reflected something totally different. I met with this teacher, Mr. Smith, and together he and I were able to get my son on an individualized education program (IEP). Mr. Smith even assisted me with fighting the principal to ensure my son would get the help he needed to succeed, as the principal had informed me that since I was not my son’s biological parent, she would not help me. If it weren’t for Mr. Smith taking the time to meet with me, walk me through the IEP process, and fight for my child, I can honestly say that my stepson would have been another statistic as an African American young man. For my son to see someone in the classroom that looked like him, understood his trouble, and have two people who are not his biological parents care for his success meant more than anything. My son went from being a failing student to the first of his parents to graduate from high school. He also went to college and was able to take his IEP with him to ensure his success. So I truly want to take time out this week to honor and give praises to all of our hardworking teachers. 

Join the conversation and share which teacher has made a difference in your life!