For the Teachers
In my life, I have been fortunate to have many positive influences – my parents, family, close friends and colleagues. I have also been lucky to count teachers in that group throughout the years.
I fell in love with teaching at Lincoln Elementary School where I had a phenomenal second grade teacher. I loved my teachers before then, but second grade is the year I looked up to teachers thinking I wanted to be like them. The same year, my mom started working as the school secretary at Jacobs Elementary School. I spent hours visiting my mom at work – strolling the halls and helping teachers. I spent the beginning of the summer at Jacobs with teachers cleaning up after a successful school year and helping prep their classrooms for new students. The list of teachers I spent time with goes on and on and I still think of them often.
During my time as a student at Findlay City Schools, and later at The University of Findlay, I was lucky enough to have amazing teachers who, in their classroom or in a club or activity, did everything they could to challenge me to be my best and help me figure out the person I wanted to become. Not only did these teachers challenge and support me personally, but they did this with every student, in every class, every year they taught. Teachers will never hear it enough but thank you for your role in helping me become the person I am today.
While my career didn’t lead me to a classroom, teaching continues to be a huge part of my life. I teach Kid’s Church at Journey at Christ Church, teach graduate classes at The University of Findlay and our work at The Community Foundation supports teachers every year.
There are many ways our work intersects with education and its critical to our mission of improving the quality of life locally. The Hancock Education Fund is one example and represents a community partnership between the Findlay Rotary Club, Findlay Rotary Club Golden Apple Teachers and the Foundation. This fund promotes classroom learning by providing Hancock County teachers with resources. Each year, grants are awarded to teachers throughout the county to encourage 21st century skills in K-12 classrooms throughout our community.
Teachers have experienced unusual challenges the last two school years but have met them with grace and determination. May 3-7 is Teacher Appreciation Week. Over the week, we’ll be sharing stories of teachers we’ve partnered with on our Facebook page. Join me in honoring the amazing educators in our community by giving to the Hancock Education Fund or any fund that benefits local teachers. Visit our giving page to donate in honor of your favorite teacher today.
This editorial was originally printed in The Courier Monday, April 26, 2021.
