<p>My kids’ kindergarten teacher was a warm, wonderful woman who set up her classroom in a way that challenged each student at his/her own level, provided a wide choice of play to appeal to all students, encouraged responsibility (such as teaching students to cut with real knives when cooking), and celebrated each child’s accomplishments. She was phenomenal. She had lots of parent help in the classroom, and she used them well so that there were education centers that really worked. The district decided teachers couldn’t stay in the same grade … they needed to mix it up … so this amazing teacher decided to retire. She told us she is a kindergarten teacher. Such a loss for students.</p>
<p>The kids’ 3rd grade teacher was not a warm, fuzzy teacher. However, she challenged them to be their best. The kids wanted to rise to the level of her expectations. D had a huge problem with fearing failure. This teacher took her farther and farther … so that D could struggle and discover that it is okay to struggle. It didn’t cure D’s perfectionist issues, but it definitely helped. S discovered that he can do so much more than he thought he could academically. It was such a great year for both.</p>
<p>The kids’ 4th grade teacher was great academically, but her most awesome talent was helping her students get along with each other. She established a classroom in which no teasing or nastiness was allowed, which other teachers also did … but somehow, she did it better than any other teacher I have ever met. She also provided excellent reading materials, and S discovered a true passion for reading in her class.</p>
<p>So many great teachers in my kids’ lives! The only less-than-bright spot was D’s middle school experience. The teachers simply did not expect enough, and they weren’t very good at keeping the middle school meanness at bay. S went to a parochial middle school where the academic expectations were much higher, and the kids were expected to treat each other with respect.</p>