This week, May 6 through May 10, is Teacher Appreciation Week. Teachers and staff work extremely hard to meet the needs of Gorham’s students. Educators demonstrate kindness, nurturing and extreme efforts to meet students where they are and bring them successfully to the next level. The following quotes are from interviews conducted by Kenneth Tomkins, ASPIRE Gorham Communications Director, with six GMS students. They are representative of the appreciation that students in Gorham feel for their educators. (Thank you, Isla, Fiona, Riley, Max, Grace, Palmer, and Mr. Tomkins.)
“Teachers have taught me so much. My kindergarten teachers taught me how to tie my shoes.”
“Without education, we can’t function. I feel that teachers teach us life skills as well as what we need for future jobs.”
“My second-grade teacher was adamant about manners and first impressions and that’s really stuck with me.”
“I feel what makes a good teacher is someone who’s willing to connect with their students, wants them to improve, and provides a safe space, to make it a safe and easy space to learn.”
“My math teacher has been amazing at helping and supporting me.” “My teacher is an adult I can go to if I need support. “
“I know sometimes we can be difficult to work with, but they keep us going.”
“My teachers are nice, supportive, and help out with any issues that we might have or just getting us through the day if we’re having a hard day.”
“They are patient, nice, and understanding.”
“Teachers do much more than teach you. People don’t realize that.”
“My fifth grade math teacher told me to never give up. That meant a lot for me, because I used to not try my hardest. Then I pushed beyond my limits.”
“She had the right words at the right time.”
“Ms. Ridge is my ELA teacher and she teaches what we learn about money, taxes, economy, finances, and things that will help me in later life.”
“Ms. Higgins pushes us past our limits. And for Ms Dix, she’s very kind and helps me out, and she just is nice to come say hi in the morning when I walk past, and for Miss Ridge is very kind and respectful of your boundaries. And she helps out the people who need help.”
“They make it fun for us to learn and they show up every day and try their hardest to teach us and help us learn”
“Teachers keep us safe in a good environment and make everything by making us happy and making sure we’re always at our best.”
“Mrs. Joyce told me that I was good, that I worked my hardest, I’ve done everything I should, and I am the one who should recognize that.”
“My teachers are pretty great. School is very important to me and the teachers make it fun.”
“Sometimes the subjects are a little meh, but my teachers make me want to come to class. They make a great community here at school.”
This is a sampling of some of the feelings that one group of students has for their teachers. Thank your child’s teacher today for the big things and the little things that they do.