~ From the Braintrust ~
Teacher Appreciation Week
May 8-12 is National Teacher Appreciation Week, a week to recognize teachers for the impact teachers have on each of us. The Braintrust takes a look at what this week is all about. Emotional reactions intended.
Teacher Appreciation Week is truly about thanking educators for making a difference. Saying thanks never gets old, and in this week of honoring educators, it’s a way for us all to show our appreciation. – The Braintrust
Giving Thanks – To a large extent, Teacher Appreciation Week is about recognizing the value of education. For The Braintrust, there is plenty to be thankful, plenty of people to give thanks. Many come to mind, just a few examples:
- Teachers that made a difference:
- 6th grade math teacher Mr. Kahl – instilling a love of math that still lives
- 7th grade math teacher Mrs. Breidenstein – giving extra math opportunities, differentiating. Math class was pure fun
- Junior high school choir teacher Mrs. Behar – instilling a love of music and singing
- High school choir teacher Mr. Severing – for challenging and encouraging a love for singing
- Algebra teacher Mrs. Peterman – making algebra so fun, fostering a love of algebra that has become stronger throughout a life in education
- Colleagues that impacted The Braintrust as a teacher
- Dave Joosten – Teaching about nuances in using Google Classroom that have impacted The Braintrust’s teaching even in retirement
- John Henneman – Providing support in the teaching of algebra. Best teacher of algebra around
- Scott Sanger – Innovative teacher in making social studies come alive, providing many laughs along the way
- Missy Henneman – Helping in the transition to middle school math. A champion in teaching teachers about teaching
- Cheryl Cook – Showing patience and understanding in her early days of teaching preparation, with an energetic baby brother, always supporting. Number one reason The Braintrust became a teacher, recognizing the impact this top teacher had on an eager learner
Memories that Last
- Working with 8th grade algebra and 7th grade advanced math students who wanted to learn while at the same time making connections. Learning far more than just mathematics
- In retirement, working with students in an 8th grade ELA classroom who welcomed in the new teacher and made the transition rewarding
- Self contained elementary classroom recesses – connecting with students, more than just basics
- Sports officiating in basketball, baseball and softball, watching athletes give it their all
Making an Impact
- Krista Keech – a fellow educator and wife who supports the educational growth of The Braintrust. Renowned teacher of English
- Billy and Laurene Keech – parents that were teachers outside of the classroom in so many ways. Teaching skills of fishing, canning, and the value of hard work.
- Wisconsin Fairs Judges Bill Shaw and Wayne Brabender, teaching so much about fair judging, giving feedback to youth
- Del and Marlene Vesely – parents-in-law who support and teach, giving out way more thanks than they ever take in. A second set of parents who always have time to listen and support
Teacher Appreciation Week is truly about thanking educators for making a difference. Saying thanks never gets old, and in this week of honoring educators, it’s a way for us all to show our appreciation. – The Braintrust
Thanks, teachers, for making a difference.
Be sure to thank a teacher.
************************************************************
Know some top athletic performances? Seeing some great teams in action?
We can use your help, and it’s simple. Witness some great performances? Hear about top athletes and top teams in our area?
Nominate an athlete or team: HERE
Pancakes or Waffles! We feature top area athletes with our world-renowned feature. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
Baked or Fried! We also feature difference makers throughout central Wisconsin: coaches, booster club leaders, adminstration, volunteers, you name it. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
College Athlete Roundup! We want to recognize student-athletes from the area who are competing at the college level. Send us information on college athletes from the area with our simple form HERE
Where are they Now? We feature athletes and difference makers from the past, standouts in sports who excelled over the years and have moved on. Know of a former athlete, coach or difference maker who we should feature? Know of a former standout competitor whose journey beyond central Wisconsin sports is one we should share? Send us information on athletes and difference makers of the past with our simple form HERE
We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!
Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
