<p>I just heard about something our high school did that was really neat.</p>
<p>The football coach asked each of the seniors on the team to name a teacher who had inspired them or had a positive impact on them. Each of those teachers was invited to the football game, and wore the “away” jersey of the player who had nominated them. At half-time the teachers came out onto the field and were introduced. </p>
<p>I thought that was a great idea. It was a boost to teacher morale in a time of budget cuts, a way to tie academics back into sports, and a reminder of the impact that teachers have on their students’ lives. (And for any overzealous fans, a reminder that the players on the field are students, not professional athletes!)</p>
<p>I hear some of the junior team members are already thinking about which teacher they’d like to wear their jersey next year.</p>
<p>Our girls’ soccer and basketball teams do this every year. We take pictures and the girls write a nice note about each teacher that is read over the sound system. The girls also give them a card with a personal message inside. It is a very nice gesture.</p>
<p>I don’t remember what exactly it is called, but something kind of similar is done here at SEMO. A student (any student) nominates a professor or instructor and for each home game, one is recognized on the field before the game.</p>
<p>Kids at our high school invite their favorite teachers to come with them to National Honor Society induction (they have to stand up and give a brief comment about why they selected that teacher). But, I LOVE the idea of inviting them to a sporting event- what a concept! May have to make a suggestion!</p>
<p>I think this is wonderful and have just forwarded the suggestion on to our principal and athletic director. If the school doesn’t get on board with it, I will still propose it to our varsity lax team this spring, since the parent booster club has a major role in planning the Senior Night game festivities. Thanks for posting this lafalum84!</p>