Now more than ever, we appreciate our teachers. There are many things I miss about school: walking to classes with friends, eating lunch outside when the weather is nice, even the clamor and press of students rushing to get to first block before 8:25. But foremost among the simple pleasures that now feel so distant are the moments I spent with teachers. I hadn’t realized just how much I enjoyed hearing about my math teacher’s dog or my history teacher’s kid until such casual interactions were lost. I had never fully appreciated the lift my chemistry teacher’s Michael Bublé-studded playlist gave to his classroom until I was forced to work without it.
Now more than ever, we need a teacher appreciation week. Over the past month, I’ve seen teachers valiantly work to make online learning the best it can be. The demands placed upon teachers, already significant to begin with, have now increased tenfold, as they try to find a system that allows them to not only make sure their students are completing assignments but also staying safe and healthy. As the COVID-19 crisis evolved, my teachers took the time to share what limited information they had with students, trying as best they could to help us understand that we were all in this together, whatever this may be. Now that we’re all more adjusted to working at home, I delight in the friendly notes my teachers send when I turn in my work, the little life updates they’re providing to maintain the camaraderie they worked to establish within the school building.
It’s natural to feel powerless and alone in the face of a pandemic. But we on the editorial board hope that these students’ stories of teachers who cared — who took the time to truly hear our voices and help us on our journeys — will remind us of the impact of a kind word and a listening ear. It is with the utmost gratitude that we wish them all a happy Teacher Appreciation Week.
Natalie, North Hardin High School
“Mr. Bunnell was a teacher at North Middle School, incredibly intelligent and caring. I had him as a coach for our school’s Academic Team and FPS, wherein he taught us the importance of not just learning something, but learning everything surrounding it. While the practices and workload could be daunting at times, he always knew we were capable of handling them. And when our frustration, typical of middle schoolers of course, was too great for us to hide, he always managed to make us laugh and understand that some days were just ‘those’ days. I am forever appreciative of my time with Mr. Bunnell. Even as he’s moved to Belgium to teach there, I and a few others are still able to email him from time to time to catch up. He helped unlock the academic potential I hadn’t truly embraced until then, forever changing who I was and who I am today.”
Sandra, Bluegrass Community and Technical College
“Madeline Todd, my third grade math teacher. She was so compassionate and loving. She taught what confidence was and genuinely loved her students to tears. I could never forget her.”
Ricklyn, West Carter High School
“Mr. Davis and Mr. O’Daniel, you both have made such a huge impact on my life. You let me email, call, or text anytime when I’m confused about an agriculture-related topic or need to learn how to dehorn my goats! I appreciate them because without them I wouldn’t take chances, have a voice, or want to become a Kentucky State Officer. Mr. Davis pushes me to try new things and to always look for the positive in everything. Mr. O’Daniel shows me that you only live once. I’m so grateful to have them as my FFA advisors and two of the best role models a student could wish for. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Emma, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
“Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to Ms. Amanda Holt, an English teacher who always cares about her students and is passionate about showing them the wonders of rhetorical analysis and critical thinking. Not to mention our end-of-semester party potluck last semester!”
Hailey, Campbellsville University
“I’ve had a handful of teachers who have shaped who I am. Two teachers really stand out to me: Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Shartzer at Butler Traditional High School. These two English teachers were always there for me. They helped me through my life trials that I faced in high school. They never gave up on me even when I wanted to give up on myself. Teachers like them are why I choose to go into the profession. I want to give to students like they gave to me.”
Emily, Central High School (Jefferson County)
“When I first came to Central High School as a sophomore, I barely knew anyone and was having trouble with my grades. I was introduced to Mr. Gjyzeli (Mr. G) by my sister. Mr. G is the health teacher, but also so much more. One day after school, I came to his room and couldn’t hold back the tears any more. He told me that if it was too personal, I didn’t have to say why I was in tears. Instead he turned on some calming music and meditated with me until I felt better. Every day after that, he has checked up on me. I’ve also walked into his room on many occasions when it’s filled with students who want to seek guidance from him, and he humbly obliges. He is incredibly hard working and never stops spreading positivity. He has supported all his students, from showing up to football games to praising us at poetry slams. He is what a teacher should be.”
Sadie, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
“I’ve had many outstanding English teachers over the years, but my current teacher, Mrs. Wilkinson, stands out even among this amazing group. She makes English not just enjoyable but challenging and really pushes her students to improve their writing. She is always kind and constructive but gives great critiques. Best of all, her classroom is such a welcoming environment. From her daily attendance questions to the comfortable armchairs lining her walls, she works to make her students feel comfortable and appreciated.”
ViAsia, North Hardin High School
“When I think of appreciation for a teacher, I think of my older brother Jordan Bramblett, my number-one supporter Neal Gibbs, and my business teacher Brandi Geisert. All three of these have been a constant support in shaping the person I am today. My brother is a teacher who would rather be broke than see his kids struggle at Moore Traditional School in Louisville. He works with several students from a rough background and has taught me to be patient with people because I don’t know their situation. Neal Gibbs has been a constant supporter of me since I met him as a sixth grader. In middle school, I was a troubled student, always in and out of the principal’s office, but he took a chance on me. Mr. Gibbs brought out the foundation of everyone’s potential to be a leader in school and out of school, especially for students who just needed a little guidance. Brandi Geisert is another rock I had the pleasure to go to in a crisis throughout all four years of high school. Mrs. Geisert literally goes the extra mile to make sure her students are taken care of. I remember hearing I wouldn’t have advisors the next year for Y club, and when I brought it up to her, she decided to step up and be the advisor. She has also surprised seniors and some students in our school with chocolate bunnies during this crisis.”
Sofie, The Gatton Academy
“I’ve always appreciated when a teacher goes out of their way to get to know me. I love making connections with my teachers, but I’m often not willing to step out and let them know exactly about what is going on in my personal life. Spring break of my sophomore year, I lost someone incredibly close to me. I felt absolutely shattered, but tried to act as normal as possible. One teacher in particular noticed that I wasn’t acting like normal. She asked me what was wrong and let me eat lunch in her classroom. She listened to what I had to say and tried to comfort me as best as possible. We still stay in touch even though I go to a different school now, and she makes an effort to see how I’m doing.”
Autumn, Beechwood High School
“I’ve loved just about every teacher I’ve had at Beechwood. But the ones that stick out are Mr. and Mrs. Behrensmeyer, whom I’ve spent countless volunteering hours with. Mrs. B is my psychology teacher and is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Mr. B is a Latin teacher who I’ve had since 8th grade. In middle school, I was a really insecure, shy kid. Now as a junior, I’m one of the most outspoken people in our class. Over the years, with his goofy personality, his classroom was a safe space where no one ever felt judged or stupid, and I gained a lot of confidence. Without their classes, I really don’t think I’d be the same person as I am now, and I’m so grateful for both of them.”
Sara, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
“Thank you, Ms. Durham, for teaching your students about subjects beyond literature and grammar. You’ve shown me every day in your class what a strong, kind person looks like, and I’m thankful for every lesson you’ve given me.”
Gloria, The Gatton Academy
“My absolute idol and honestly my best friend: Mrs. Cheryl Kirby-Stokes. She is more than a teacher; she’s more like my rock. She goes out of her way to push me to my limits because she knows I’m bound for great things. She has turned me from an unsure student to a leader who never doubts the power in her own voice. One of my fondest memories with her was while we were sitting at my school district’s main office, waiting for my meeting with the superintendent. We talked about boys for almost an hour! She gushed about her loving husband and told me to never accept a man that is not as caring as her own husband because I deserve the world! Thank you, Mrs. Kirby-Stokes. Today I celebrate you and all the amazing ways you have impacted me!”
First Grader, Hogsett Primary
“She teaches us stuff we don’t know. She starts our morning with letting us pick high fives, hugs, or fist bumps. I know she cares about me and is funny.”
Preschooler, Hogsett Primary
“That they [teachers] read to me. I ask her to play with me and she listens.”
Kindergartener, Hogsett Primary
“I love her because she is nice! They let me share things and read to me.”
Kindergartener, Hogsett Primary
“My teachers are so nice! I like how they help me learn!”
Kindergartener, Hogsett Primary
“She is nice and always happy. She smiles a lot.”
First grader, Hogsett Primary
“My teachers are funny and nice.”
Kindergartener, Hogsett Primary
“She’s sweet and funny.”
These interviews were conducted and collated by members of the Student Voice Forum’s editorial board. The introduction was written by Sadie Bograd, a junior at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.
The opinions expressed on the Forum represent the individual students to whom they are attributed. They do not reflect the official position or opinion of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence or the Student Voice Team. Read about our policies.
