Spotlights
Spotlight: Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week
Behind every successful student stands a dedicated educator who goes beyond textbooks and lesson plans to inspire, nurture, and transform lives. To show our gratitude for their hard work, we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week every year in May. The week-long celebration, which runs from May 5th-9th, is meant to honor the extraordinary individuals who wake up each morning committed to shaping the future—one student, one lesson, one encouraging word at a time.
These educational heroes rarely seek the spotlight, yet their impact resonates far beyond classroom walls, creating ripples that continue long after graduation ceremonies conclude. To honor this impact and Teacher Appreciation Week, we are shining the spotlight on three remarkable teachers who exemplify excellence in education: Dana DeMar, Marcella O’Rourke, and Sarah Valencia.
These exceptional teachers have dedicated their careers to inspiring and nurturing the next generation. We spoke with them to learn about their incredible journeys and contributions as teaching professionals.
Reflecting on Being A Teacher
Dana DeMar
Special Education Teacher
Raytown, Missouri
What inspired you to become a teacher?
In second grade, I had a broken leg and was not allowed to go outside for recess. The teacher would let me “help” her while the other students were outside. That’s when I decided I would like to teach.
Can you share a memorable experience from your career?
I had a student with visual impairments graduating, and he started to veer off stage after receiving his diploma. So, I ran up and verbally coached him across the stage so he would not walk off the end of it!
How do you manage the challenges of your position?
There are many challenges to teaching, primarily time management. I really keep my radar on what’s coming so that I can plan ahead and allocate the right amount of time both at work and at home.
What advice would you give to other teachers in your field?
The best advice I can give would be to find laughter anywhere you can, anytime you can, and share it with your students.
How do you stay updated with teaching practices?
Keeping my practice fresh is an ongoing goal. I’m always looking through journals and online for ideas and activities that will benefit my students.
How do you stay motivated and continue to grow in your career?
I stay motivated by watching my students succeed. If they get step one today, I’m more excited to see them get step two tomorrow!
Marcella O’Rourke
Special Education Teacher
Shawnee Mission, Kansas
What inspired you to become a teacher?
A couple of things inspired me to become a special education teacher. First, my sweet cousin was born with brain damage, had some problems speaking, and is developmentally delayed. Second, I got a counseling degree first, but a calling of sorts brought me to special education and I never looked back from there.
Can you share a memorable experience from your career?
There are so many memorable experiences from my long career that it is hard to choose just one. I love it when a student finally “gets it,” especially after trying to teach it in many ways. When they “get it,” it feels like a reward for all their hard work.
How do you manage the challenges of your position?
I try to keep my personal life stress-free, although that can be hard at times. Self-care is very important in any teacher’s job. I do what I can and let go of the rest.
What advice would you give to other teachers in your Field?
Since I am in special education, I think the most important thing is to be consistent with the students. You don’t know what their home life is like, so to help them trust you, consistency is key. I always try to be kind, even though not every student is kind to me; I don’t take it personally.
How do you balance your professional and personal life?
I try to keep my personal and professional lives separate. I do talk about my animals with the students, but I don’t talk about myself much unless a student asks me directly and it’s a two-way conversation. At home, I don’t dwell on all the work I have to do or let the kid’s problems get me down. I watch YouTube or read a book.
How do you stay updated with teaching practices?
I go to meetings, attend professional development sessions, and talk with fellow teachers to stay current and up to date.
How do you stay motivated and continue to grow in your career?
I stay motivated by getting up early and having a routine before I go to school. I may meditate, read, play with my animals or just do a chore. This helps me get ready to meet the kids with enthusiasm and friendliness. I stay positive and try to see the bright side of things. I always meet the students where they are, but I don’t let them take my positivity!
Sarah Valencia
Special Education Teacher
Kansas City, Missouri
What inspired you to become a School Teacher?
I have dedicated 14 years to teaching, shaping young minds with my passion and expertise. As a mother of four, I face the unique challenges and joys of raising a family. One of my children was diagnosed with special educational needs, which profoundly influenced my career path.
Coming from a family of educators, I was naturally drawn to teaching. However, my desire to advocate for my child and ensure they received the best possible education was a significant motivator for pursuing my degree. Through my journey, I have learned invaluable lessons from my child, particularly the importance of individualized learning. I believe that tailoring education to each student’s needs allows them to learn to the best of their ability, fostering a supportive and effective learning environment.
Can you share a memorable experience from your career?
I encountered a student who was struggling with reading. To help him, I found a book that had pictures above the words, which made it easier for him to start reading. I also developed strategies to provide incentives for him to want to learn and to ensure the material would stick. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I pursued my master’s degree, which was challenging because I was working at the same time. As a teacher, I have a deep desire to learn; it’s a professional commitment and learning is our passion. I am passionate about education and when I see my students master their goals, the joy and happiness they experience is truly priceless.
How do you manage the challenges of your position?
Establishing clear routines and procedures for my students is essential. With consistency, they can manage the class for the first 10 minutes, which allows me to take attendance and set everyone up for a successful lesson. Being organized is extremely important because it enables me to review past lesson plans and catch up with students who missed class. Delegating tasks is also crucial because it helps me accomplish a lot more. I acknowledge that sometimes I don’t know everything, so I make sure to use my resources effectively.
What advice would you give to other teachers?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek help. I have always been met with kindness, and it can be incredibly beneficial. To stay organized, I make a calendar and keep everything in order. I dedicate Fridays and Saturdays solely to family time, which helps me recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. I also set aside specific times to plan for my classes. Setting boundaries is crucial for recharging and ensuring I am at my best both at work and at home.
How do you stay updated with teaching practices?
I have attended several conferences and follow various teaching blogs. Whenever I see someone speaking at an event, I make it a point to go. I have a professional community where I get to hear from people who are doing the same work but in different ways. Sharing experiences with other teachers and seeing how they manage their classrooms is incredibly valuable. Students are my motivation. Teaching is a field that requires constant reconsideration and adaptation because we are setting up their future. After taking a break and recovering, I came back stronger and more determined to make a positive impact.
We want to thank Dana, Marcella, and Sarah for sharing their experiences as teachers with us. We are grateful to them, and all the amazing teachers across the country, for their unwavering commitment to educating the future. Let’s take some time out during Teacher Appreciation Week to show all the hard working school-based professionals out there how much we value them!
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