A Teacher who brought Tears to My Eyes

A Teacher who brought Tears to My Eyes May 4, 2016

Mrs DB

What does it take to be voted one of the nation’s 50 Great Teachers? In a word, Kindness.

Add to that a “spoonful” of mindfulness, and you have a class full of immensely happy and integrated learners. Meet the class of Mrs. Diaz-Brown as they “report” NPR Style on the teacher they adore . .

A teacher is doing something (amazingly) right when her rookie reporters comment:

“Mrs. D-B’s activities are, among other things, fun and highly educational. My most memorable learning experience is Writing Idol. Writing Idol is an experience I will never forget. It is really fun, it helps us improve our essays, it will help us for our FSA’s and to top it off, it has a catchy theme song.”

~ Emily Kardjian, Age 9

“. . .  she is a patient teacher, she helps every student learn in different ways because all of us learn at a different pace. Remember that some of the other students learn faster or slower than others. Mrs. Diaz-Brown is always there for us. I would like to say thank you Mrs. Diaz-Brown for making my learning process fun, exciting and motivating me to learn with you.”

~ Brittneysue Villa, Age 9

“Mrs. D-B has taught me so many things in the past year, and I can’t wait to learn more. Like a shoe polisher, she polished us until we shined like stars in the night sky. But of course, there is no such thing as being too bright!”

~ Sophia Iovine, Age 10

“I believe that Mrs. D-B teaches from her heart and not only from our books. She teaches us to be kind and she sets a great example for us. It’s incredible that one person can touch so many children’s hearts.”

~ Brianna Guarch, Age 10

One of the fun and centering activities the kids practice weekly is “Mindfulness Monday”. This is where their teacher leads them in a simple meditation intent on instilling calm and awareness within them. It sets them up for the week.

Mrs Diaz-Brown’s core pedagogical approach centers on encouraging the pupils to participate in the learning process while having fun doing it. She is not a textbook teacher per se; but knows how to apply the required curriculum in a spirited and creative way.

KIddos

There are many wonderfully generous and visionary public school teachers out there. As the National Teacher Appreciation Week draws to a close, I believe it behooves us (parents or otherwise) to acknowledge the enrichment and educational awareness so many of them instill in our youngsters.

As a dad of a nine and seven year old, I’m grateful for all the Mrs. Diaz-Brown’s in our midst. Thinking creatively as they do, in unassuming and unsung ways, is a testament to the divinity within their calling. And I honor and applaud that.

Don’t you?

Cover Photo / Image Insert:  Lauren Page


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