[Keely]

I had significant trauma in my early education years, including a diagnosis with ADHD, and dyslexia. I stuggled with school both academically and socially and eventually overcame but this challenge encouraged me to become a teacher and make sure that every child, no matter their struggle find a love of learning and come to school to feel nothing but love.

[Trainer]

Keely, your resilience is inspiring! Your experience will undoubtedly help you create a nurturing environment for your future students.

[Sherry Holstein]

Death in the family

[Trainer]

Sherry, thank you for sharing. It’s important to recognize how profound experiences like loss can shape our lives and perspectives.

[Patty Hughey]

I know a young girl who had a winderful first grade teacher that inspired her to be a teacher later in life

[Trainer]

Great example, Patty! Positive early influences like that can shape futures and inspire lifelong passions.

[Hope V]

Children sense our emotions through our facial expressions. Whatever we are expressing is going to determine how they respond to a different situations they will go through in their lives. How they will start a new day with a smile or a frown from the day before they learn by how we express ourselves in the classroom.

[Trainer]

Great insight—your example highlights how educator emotions shape children’s responses and long-term social-emotional development.

[Andrew]

I had a unique relationship with a special needs student in my classroom. The student and I connected very fast. The parents and I had a connection as well. I was in constant contact with the parents about their child’s behavior each day and was strategies were working in my classroom. The student went home and Ould ask for the teacher and say he wants to go back to Mr. Andrew’s classroom. This child was with me for two years and his progression was quite evident. We found out he needed a male teacher in his life and he could relate better to the male teacher than a female teacher. He is doing well in grade school now and the parents say that I had a big role in his success. this made me feel very good as a teacher knowing I contributed in someway.

[Trainer]

Your strong connection and consistency clearly made a lasting positive impact on the child’s development and confidence.

[Sandra Campoli]

I had a peer who was so sweet and friendly when I was in school. She was helpful, and she inspired me to understand that nothing is easy. You have to work hard to achieve all your goals.

[Trainer]

Your example nicely shows how positive peer influence can inspire lifelong motivation and strong work ethic.

[Emily S]

I remember going from private to public school. When I saw what kids were wearing and how they acted, versus when I was at a small private Catholic school, I was in complete shock. I felt like I didn’t know how to act or what to say to the other kids when I was in public school. The first year after I switched schools, I really struggled with how I fit in and what I liked and didn’t like. Once I had a routine and made some friends, it got better, but I had an extremely difficult time with the initial switch of schools.

[Trainer]

Emily, your reflection highlights the profound impact of early school transitions on social adaptation. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[Katie]

Both my older sons had the blessing of the most amazing Kindergarten teacher! She was warm, welcoming and smiled upon the first meet and greet! It helped them feel instantly comfortable at a time when transitioning to a full day of school brought them anxiety. A caring relationship is honestly THE MOST IMPORTANT piece of the educational foundation. If a child is not able to feel cared for and valued they will not be able to learn well.

[Trainer]

Great insights, Katie! It’s wonderful to see how a caring teacher can positively influence a child’s learning experience and confidence.

[Linda Hickey]

When I was in grade school, I had a teacher who thought I was cheating on a test, which I wasn’t.

[Trainer]

Linda, your experience highlights the lasting impact of trust and misunderstanding in education. Thank you for sharing!

[Brittanie]

Growing up I did not have the ideal childhood. My brain did not get the opportunity to grow and develop properly. For the longest time now in my adult life I have been working on healing and re-wiring those parts of my brain. All my trauma I experienced has shaped me into a better person and mother. I love working with children and being the person for not only myself, and my own kids, but other kids that might need that extra love and support. Although my younger life experiences were bad I was able to use that as motivation and support to be a better person!

[Trainer]

Brittanie, your reflection on overcoming childhood challenges is inspiring. Your commitment to healing and supporting others is commendable!

[Amber]

I have seen families where there are multiple children (3 plus), and when the parents get burnt out, they often leave the oldest child to be the parent. When the parents are checked out, the children aren’t getting the love and attention they need.

[Trainer]

Amber, your observation highlights the critical impact of parental involvement on child development. Great insight into family dynamics!

[Makina Briley]

When my brother was still in school, he was in this class and had a teacher who was very discriminatory towards him because he is in a wheelchair and when it happened he was very upset about it and it took a toll on his school work because he would not want to be in the room with the teacher who was saying awful things to him about the fact of him being in a wheelchair. So, for a while he was very unmotivated and was not attending that class which caused him to fall behind.

[Trainer]

Makina, your reflection highlights the profound impact of discrimination on motivation and learning. Thank you for sharing your brother’s experience.

[Amelia Vega]

I think my sons pre-k teachers helped him feel comfortable in the new environment because they were always calm and positive

[Trainer]

Great insight, Amelia! Positive early experiences with teachers can greatly influence children’s confidence and adaptability in new settings.

[Margaret Rivera]

As a child in kindergarten, I had a male teacher who did not smile. He seemed to get irriatated easily with us and was not welcoming. I remember wanting my sister who was in fifth grade and trying to hide my tears as I was crying for her.

[Trainer]

Thank you for sharing, Margaret. Your experience highlights the profound impact early educators can have on children’s emotional well-being.

[Melissa]

I had a teacher that would always encourage us to do our best and to never hold back because of self-doubt. Her kindness and patience has shaped me be the person i am now, I aspire to be like that to the children in my classroom.

[Trainer]

Melissa, your reflection beautifully highlights the lasting impact of encouragement and kindness. It’s inspiring to see you aspire to be that positive influence for your students!