by Maureen McCaffery, Community Engagement Manager, TenMarks:
Just like that…and it’s May, which means the TenMarks team is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Month! While we are always inspired by the teachers we work closely with every day, the TenMarks team has embraced this special time of year to pause and give thanks for the incredible impact teachers have had on each of us, while also recognizing the ongoing impact teachers have on the lives of students everywhere. Here are the ways the TenMarks team is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Month:
Teacher Appreciation Wall
The large wall in the office kitchen now reads “Happy Teacher Appreciation Month!” Each member of the TenMarks team shares a teacher who inspires them in this work or impacted them as a student. Some examples include:
From Paul Winkler, Curriculum Developer, TenMarks: “Mrs. Price took the talent she saw I had for math and never let that be enough. She constantly pushed me to be the best version of my mathematics self.”
From Sara Mordecai, Visual Design Manager, TenMarks: “Mr. Shields taught me to trust my instincts, not to second-guess myself. I would worry that my answers weren’t right and then change them, but I was right the first time.”
From Kabila Williams, Senior Curriculum Developer, Assessments, TenMarks: "Mr. Alsup and Professor Robinson were both very patient and knowledgeable. They challenged me to be better in class and were always quick to offer help and/or advice when needed. They truly cared about their students and it showed."
This exercise has brought so much joy to our kitchen! By displaying these answers on the kitchen wall, we are all able to reflect on the amazing impact that teachers have had on so many lives.
“Teacher of the Week” Interviews
Throughout the month, we will be posting an interview with a teacher to showcase some of the amazing teachers we work with. Check back in with the TenMarks Blog throughout the month to read about a few of the fantastic TenMarks Math teachers we have the pleasure to work with from all over the country.
Shout-outs in our Teacher Communities
We asked TenMarks Teachers in our Facebook community, "What teacher inspires you to teach?" We heard so many moving responses. Here is one example:
From Michael Buist, 5th Grade Teacher, AZ: “Easy! My colleagues: Jennifer Nusbaum, Albert Notley, and Donna Gustafson. They push me everyday to think and rethink and evaluate my teaching practices. They challenge me on everything, from morning work, to assessments, to homework. They force me to be the best teacher, best guide, best sherpa I can be for all of our 104 grade 5 students. What we've created in 5th grade at Knox Gifted Academy is much more than a team. It's a family. It's symbiotic. It's respect. It's caring. It's listening and disagreeing and compromising. It's what I hope to have every year from now on.”
Who inspires you? Share with us on our TenMarks teacher community on Facebook or Twitter.
As always, TenMarks Ts, we appreciate you. Thanks for all you do to support your students!
