A Time for Gratitude: Thank You, Teachers
It has always taken great skill and dedication to be a great teacher, and the last 20 months (and counting) have brought a whole host of new challenges to this work. So in this season of gratitude, we’re saying thank you, teachers – for your whole-hearted commitment and for finding new ways to inspire a love for learning. As a nonprofit dedicated to education for sustainability, we truly appreciate that, in the face of many obstacles, you are shaping a healthier, more just future for us all.
Read on for memories from our staff of the teachers who changed them through the years, and tell us in the comments below: Who was your favorite teacher?
"My fifth-grade teacher Paul Kaplan was always kind, patient, and encouraged us to ask questions. I have fond memories of a particular project -- we crafted our own tools from wood, then used them to cut crusty snow into bricks for outdoor shelters. I learned the value of having an adult who listened, encouraged creativity, supported ideas, and trusted the abilities of children." Jed Norris, Early Education Program Coordinator
"Kathy Speedy was my fourth-grade teacher at Shelburne Community School. Kathy will go down in the books as one of the very best teachers. Not only did she help me improve my reading, writing, and math skills, but she also taught me so much about humanity. She was kind and compassionate, and she made each and every child feel heard, respected, and important." Heidi Webb, Major Gifts Officer
"Charles Ziegenfus (Zig) was my ornithology professor extraordinaire! Zig brought birds to life for me. Before his course, I didn't even notice birds at the feeder, but after learning from Zig, whose passion for birds was contagious, I was enamoured with them. I remember being amazed at how far away he could spot and identify a bird. His enthusiasm and creativity made 7 a.m. labs something to look forward to!" Cat W. Parrish, Family Program Coordinator and Farm-Based Educator
"I had a middle school teacher, Mr. Dombrowski, who instilled in me a love of clouds (and geology) – he assigned us a project in which we had to take pictures of and classify clouds. He was disabled and taught from his chair a lot, but his passion for science came through. He made the learning in our textbook come to life for us visual learners, especially in the many slides and pictures he showed us from his travels. I always try to think about those multiple ways of learning and knowing when working with students. He's since passed, but every time someone says to me, 'How come you love clouds so much?' I think of Mr. Dombrowski." Courtney Mulcahy, School Programs Coordinator and Professional Learning Educator
"Where to begin? Ms. Salzman was my high school physical science and chemistry teacher. I learned that our whole world depends on an understanding of science, not just to operate, but also for a richer appreciation of things that seem mundane but are in actuality extraordinary. And, she was the coolest teacher. She unabashedly sang showtunes and made chemistry fun and relatable. As an educator, I hope I can be a fraction as entertaining and witty as she was." Simon Schreier, Educator
"I'm so grateful for the two years I had with Mrs. Blasius in fourth and fifth grades. I loved the special spots she created in our classroom for reading and writing, and her encouragement to spend time in the echo-filled space outside the classroom where my friends and I would sing and laugh together after finishing our math work. Mrs. Blasius brought in guest speakers to share their lenses on the world, and she used performing arts, videography, and a newfound technology, email, to invigorate our learning. She was a comforting, gentle guide at a time when I was becoming more aware of global conflicts and systemic problems." Vera Simon-Nobes, Coordinator, Farm-Based Education Network and Vermont Farms Agritourism Project