Day in and day out from lesson plans to grading papers, teachers are recognized for their hard work and dedication to their students.
From April 24 through April 28, Timber Creek is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week to recognize all that teachers do for their students and specific teachers that go above and beyond. Teacher of the Month has been one way to give back to teachers and show them how love and appreciation for what they have done for their students. Emily Boehringer and Cerissa Johnson have been recognized for their work for the Timber Creek community and students.
Boehringer, a teacher and the senior class sponsor has had a heart for teaching since she was a student herself.
“I tutored in high school and taught swimming lessons that gave me exposure to helping kids and teaching them fun ways to learn new skills and gain knowledge. I loved the feeling it gave me when kids would have an ‘Ah hah’ moment because of my help and I found it so fun and rewarding,” said Boehringer. “I really wanted to be a positive role model for young women also.”
Every teacher began teaching, for different reasons whether it be they loved kids, or loved their subject and wanted to teach it. So many teachers describe the famous moment when a student understands something, a certain light in their eyes proves to be very rewarding for the teachers that can see a difference in teaching. With the work load students have from different teachers, it can often be very difficult to be thankful, because students do not see the work teachers do. From grading, to making projects and presentations, teachers have their own work load and work hard to make the class as fun as it can be while educational.
“The most challenging aspect of teaching in today’s age is competing with the distraction of technology and absences on a block schedule. It is so hard to keep students focused in class when Netflix is a click away or keeping up with due dates that are scattered over many days,” said Johnson, english teacher and NHS sponsor. “I’ve found that routine processes and organization skills are a must in order to keep my sanity and keep students on track.”
Teachers have a handful of work to do, but they continue to put in extra effort so that students can have clubs or participate in other extra-curricular activities beyond the classroom.
“A former TCHS teacher held the role of co-sponsor for NHS but when things became too overwhelming for her, I offered to take over. I have always admired the National Honor Society organization for the members’ dedication to being a role model and leaders for other students at TCHS, but also the tremendous work and service hours given to contribute back to the community. This year is the first year I am the sole sponsor for NHS and although it does require a lot of extra time and effort, I wouldn’t trade it. I have really enjoyed working with my officers and members this year and we celebrated some record breaking accomplishments through our fundraising and donation efforts,” Johnson said.
Teachers have experiences with hundreds of students each year and over the years teaching, they have fond memories of past students. This can be one reason why teachers love their jobs, because specific students will always be in their memory.
“I absolutely love making memories with my kiddos. Field trips are always very fun & memorable, when I was named teacher of the month, and TC Queen, and announcing my pregnancy to my kiddos was so special,” said Boehringer. “I love getting pictures or messages from former students who used ideas from my class in their classrooms when they go to student teach or just hearing that they want to be a teacher because of my influence.”
