All too often when we talk about our education system you hear the negative. Now, do we have work to do to improve how we educate our children, YES! But that is always ongoing work we must evaluate and improve. Today will not be the day I will discuss that. Today I want to salute and uplift those people who took on the challenge of becoming teachers and committing to educating our future generations. This is the time of year that students are graduating from high school and taking the next journey in their lives. We as parents and as a community need to make sure we thank those people who have just as much impact on the growth of our children as we do. So, today I want to recognize our teachers as the creators of future leaders of the next generations.
If I traced back on my life, I would tell you that some of the greatest successes I have had involved a teacher or educator who believed in me and challenged me and helped me to overcome the things that were holding me back. That is why I am a nurse today. I tell you that there is a part of me that has always desired to become a teacher. It is probably why I enjoyed training new nurses, speaking in front of future nurses, and mentoring. I get so much joy from watching people grow beyond what they could ever believe.
My sister-in-law teaches biology at Pittsfield High School (PHS). Her name is Kelly Ziemba. She teaches biology. I have never shared this with her but over the last three years I have run into former students, parents, and administrators who speak very highly of her. She has made a lasting impact on her students. It might not seem like it sometimes, because often we hear about our failures more than our successes but when I mention her name the responses have always been positive and how she made biology and science have meaning. I have met a few teachers from PHS, and their students have relayed the same comments. I want to say to the teachers at PHS this has been a challenging year but know that you continue to have a positve impact on your students. Stay strong and keep moving forward.
My son Anthony wants to be a teacher. I believe the reason is the amazing teachers he has had at Wahconah Regional High School (WRHS). So many have impacted his growth as a student and a person. He wants to teach special education. I want to recognize one teacher in particular that recognized Anthony’s gift and has encouraged him to pursue his dreams and her name is Kara Keagan. She is a special education teacher at WRHS. She helped bring out the best in my son. I will always be grateful because she believed in him. I look forward to the day that Anthony returns to WRHS as a teacher and all those who were part of his growth will be able to see the leader; they were part of creating.
Today I salute all those who have committed to teaching. Thank you for all you do every day. You give us the gift of believing in others and the ability to believe in ourselves.
All the English teachers please be generous with you spelling and grammar corrections. My heart is in the right place. LOL
Charles Redd RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 