Thank you, teachers!

Today is National Teacher Day, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to tell you about some of my favorite teachers!

I loved school and I was so fortunate to have been taught by some wonderful teachers.  Two of my teachers really went above and beyond in the way they helped us remember and learn.  First was Mrs. Olson.  She was my PACE teacher (G.T.) in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th grades.  Mrs. Olson definitely was not a read-from-the-textbook type of teacher!  We did research reports, played Stump the Wizard, and performed skits (LOVED skits!)  She was the type of teacher that instead of giving you a bad grade, she would help you to understand why you got that grade and helped you understand the material so you could improve.  Kids that weren't a part of the PACE program were intimidated by Mrs. Olson, but to those who knew her, she was the BEST!  To have had her for five years in my elementary education was not only a privilege, but an honor.  She was one in a million and I'll always remember Mrs. Olson.

When I was entering 4th grade, the school's gifted and talented program changed a little and instead of taking part of the day to go to Mrs. Olson's classroom, I had Mrs. Smith.  Mrs Smith was the type of teacher that had every kid crossing their fingers all summer long, hoping to get!  Mrs. Smith, like Mrs. Olson, was hands-on.  I guarantee any student in my 4th grade class still remembers learning about caves, even almost 20 years later!  I don't ever remember Mrs. Smith getting mad or upset.  She was always in a great mood!  She was such an inspiration and really made learning fun!  Thank you, Mrs Smith!

I have also had many teachers in my life that didn't actually teach me in the classroom.  My blogging BFF, Angela, is a teacher.  She cares for her students as if they were her own children.  She demonstrates hard work and has showed such strength throughout her career as a teacher.  I imagine Ang to be the type of teacher that Mrs. Olson and Mrs. Smith were.  Someday when they are older, her students will remember her and everything she did for them.  That is the reason she is one of my favorite teachers!

Another blogging friend of mine, Biz, teaches first graders at the school my girls will be attending.  She is a fun and creative person whose heart and faith lead her through life and in the classroom.  I can't wait for Mrs. D to be Jaden and Taylor's teacher!  I have a feeling that they will always know Biz as one of their favorite teachers.

Mrs. Bieberich is Jaden's preschool teacher.  She is one of my favorite teachers because she ignited the fire for learning in my daughter.  Jaden loves preschool more than anything!  She has already decided that when she grows up, she wants to be a teacher.  I have Mrs. Bieberich to thank for that.  She really set the bar high for Jaden's future teachers!

This whole week is Teacher Appreciation Week.  Please take the time to thank your favorite teachers.  If it wasn't for these unspoken heroes, there would be no other professions.  You are where you are today because of the men and women that helped you get there.  Thank you, teachers!