May 4th marks the beginning of Teacher Appreciation Week at Old Saybrook High School, a time when students make an effort to recognize and show their appreciation for their educators. It’s a time to recognize their hard work by making teachers feel valued. To explore this idea, OSHS teachers explained what makes them feel the most appreciated and how students have shown gratitude towards them.
Mrs. Scherber from the science department said, “I think students show appreciation by sending get well cards when I was in the hospital, saying thank you on the way out of the classroom. Simple gestures are what matter the most, like students emailing me to update me on their lives which makes me feel like I’m making a difference.”
Mrs. Lopez from the mathematics department adds, “I just got a bunch of letters for the week, but students make me feel appreciated when they come for extra help and ask questions. Seeing students after graduation, telling me how they thought I’m a big help also makes me feel appreciated.”
Similarly, world language teacher Madame Zaumbam and art teacher Mrs. Menga said that they feel appreciated when students are actively listening and participating in class. Mrs. Menga contributes, “When students are engaged and clean up their space and return their supplies to where they found it, that shows appreciation towards me.”
Dr. Donnelly from the English department said that she loves students coming back and checking in with her even if they’re not currently enrolled in one of her classes. She adds, “When students let me know the impact that I’ve had on their educational careers. Even getting notes from students I haven’t had in a couple years still lets me know what a big help I was.”
Mr. Arsenault from the history department is appreciative of his everyday interactions with his students. He said, “The positive interaction that goes beyond the common teacher-student interaction. Having adult conversations with students, mutual respect from students that we try to provide. I’ve been here over 20 years and the reason I’m still here is because of these positive, everyday interactions.”
Mr. Taylor from the engineering sector has similar ways he feels appreciated, saying, “The fact that I have students that thank me everyday when they walk out the room and that I have a staff that feels like a family here.”
