#Grateful for All My Teachers

This past Wednesday, October 5 was World Teacher's Day and I had no idea until I read my colleague Chris Kennedy's (@chrkennedy) post.  I was inspired to think about the wonderful teachers whom I learned from during my own formal education.  So I took the challenge: How many of your teachers from grade school can you name?  I apologize in advance for any names that are spelled incorrectly!

K – Mrs. Truman

1 – Mrs. Hurst

2 – Mrs. Bisk/Ms. Bregman, who became Mrs. Wirchin

3 – Ms. Marghella, who became Mrs. Lundhal 

4 – Mr. Barbalato

5 – Mrs. DelVecchio

6 – Ms. Hefler

Chorus – Ms. Reid

Band – Mr. Maise

Art – Ms. Fair

7 & 8 - Mr. Wojnar, Ms. Simmons, Mr. Court, Dr. D., Mrs. Court, Mr. Corccione, Mrs. Sassy, Mr. Stamboni

9 & 12 – Ms. Morton, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Salerno, Mr. Fogler, Ms. Fox, Br. Prendergast, Br. Staniecki, Br. Phelps, Ms. Sweeney, Mr. Pisarra, Mr. Driscoll, Mr. O’Neill, Mr. Daly, Mr. O’Meara, Mrs. Hoar

I could not remember all my 7 - 12 teachers, these are the ones that stood out in my mind.  I challenge you to do the same, to honor those teachers who were a part of your formal education as you were growing up.  

I also want to honor the tremendous teaching professionals in Montpelier Public Schools.  This past Friday, I was again humbled to serve this community as Superintendent of Schools as I spent time with each building's Faculty during our Professional Development Day.  The depth of learning that took place, the courage of the conversations, and the commitment to deliberate collaborative practice was simply stunning.  

We ended our PD Day on Friday with a Quaker Closing Ceremony

To all my past teachers, I thank you for walking with me on my path in education that led me to choose a career in education.  To all the current teachers who I serve with in Montpelier Public Schools, I celebrate you for the countless ways, many of which go unseen, you serve our students and their families.  

To all those in between - and to the "unofficial" teachers in my life, especially My Wife and My Boys - I am sincerely grateful.  Your indelible imprints on my life are reflective in my work and I am truly proud of that.  

Happy World Teacher's Day to all the teachers out there!