A nod to the extraordinary efforts of teachers (video)

A teacher brought a smile to this child’s face. Screen shot via ”Mrs. Gerrish’s Classroom’ video.

When we think back to those who influenced us most and pushed us to reach our fullest potential, a few amazing teachers always come to mind.

As a pint sized, buck toothed kid with a lot of imagination but little focus, we kinda struggled with reading. It wasn’t until a dedicated and determined teacher stepped in to help in a way that was above and beyond her job description. That’s where our desire to pick up books and start writing came from.

From piano teachers to those who made us stay after class to finish our work  to the Spanish teacher who made us go through an entire class without the use of a single word of our native tongue, we salute you.

In the following video, Alexis Gerrish, a Kindergarten teacher in St. Paul, Minnesota, describes the rewards of reaching and teaching a portion of her class who is comprised of 85% disadvantaged youths, and how giving back was a way to reconcile her own difficult upbringing. Raised in a home where she was exposed to the ugliness of drug addiction, she found a way to overcome adversity and show some lucky children, that they too, can overcome obstacles and be whoever they want and do whatever they want. Gerrish explains that she was able to reach her goals with the encouragement and support of her teachers, which is why she chose to become an educator.

Because of teachers they can look up to, this young girl wants to become a teacher someday. Screen shot via “Mrs. Garrish’s Classroom”.

For kids who have very little, school becomes something they count on and teachers become part of their family. Gerrish shows her student’s tokens of gratitude displayed in her home, such as thank you notes and pictures. While some of the kids attending her school have supportive families, she explains the difficult reality of which — some young children go home to nobody. This makes the role of “teacher” even more important and meaningful to a child’s development.

In the words of Gerrish herself, “If you can meet them where they’re at, then you can go far with them.”

As our children start the school year, the Imperfect Parent would like to give a shout out to all the amazing teachers out who give so selflessly. Thank you.

The following video about the touching student/teacher relationships Gerrish has fostered and the school she teaches at is sponsored by Scotch Brite, who are graciously donating a canister of of Scotch-Brite™ Botanical Disinfecting Wipes for every 2 purchased to the Kids In Need Foundation.