Feel Good Story

On the NYC Subways, there was (still is?) an advertising campaign sponsored by the NYC Teaching Fellowes Program, a program that recruits career changers to teach in NYC Public Schools. The ad campaign focuses on various aspects of teaching that would make you feel great about the profession. One of the most poignant ads said the following:

"You remember your first grade teacher's name. Who will remember yours?"

Every time I see this ad I think of Ms. Giampicolo (pronounced Jam-Pick-olo), who was my first grade teacher at PS 84 in Queens, NY. She was an amazing individual who did a superb job of challenging her students to greater learning. And I think of Ms. O'Connell, my second grade teacher, and Ms. Schubert (3rd grade), Mr. Hatch (4th grade), Ms. Wells (4th grade), and Mr. Cooley (5th and 6th grade). I think about the myriad of amazing teachers I had in middle school and high school, many of which I still keep in touch with to this day. They made and continue to make a profound difference.

And so it was, that when one of my favorite people in the world sent me the following link, I was moved so much. It is a story done on the First Lady's commencement address at UC Merced. You have all heard of this, I'm sure. The more exciting part is when they interview Ms. Claudia Zepeda, one of the graduates. Ms. Zepeda was the third grade student of a dear family friend. Ms. Zepeda still keeps in contact with her dear teacher from 3rd grade, a testament to just how great this teacher is and how much of an impact a caring, passionate, positive influence can make in the life of a child.

Check out the link below to see the story. And if you get the chance, surprise an old teacher who made an impact on your life. As a former public school teacher myself, believe me when I say there is no greater reward for a teacher than to get a little update from your children.

http://www.kmph.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?clipId1=3768947&at1=News&vt1=v&h1=Students+Worked+Hard+to+Woo+First+Lady&d1=367633&redirUrl=www.kmph.com&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=flv&rnd=36707950