Teachers making an impact: Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week

During the second week of May, schools across the country celebrate teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week, recognizing the hard work, patience, and lasting impact all teachers have on students. The Mount Vernon City School District expresses its gratitude to all of its fantastic teachers who, whether they teach algebra to ninth graders or are guiding kindergarteners to read and write for the first time, leave an impression on their scholars that lasts a lifetime.

 “I am so grateful for the amazing teachers that we have throughout the Mount Vernon City School District,” said Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith. “They make students excited to come to school by making learning fun and always being there for them. Thank you, teachers, for all that you do. You have done outstanding work, and I know that our students are in great hands with you.” 

Nadine Shields-Alcalde of Mount Vernon Honor Academy is an exemplary example of how a teacher can use their passions for education to inspire and create a new generation of confident and brave humans. Ms. Shields-Alcalde began her journey here in the MVCSD, attending Williams H. Holmes School (now MVHA), A.B. Davis Middle School (now Mount Vernon STEAM Academy), and as a graduate of Mount Vernon High School. 

“There is nothing quite like the moment when a student truly understands a concept you've taught and can apply it successfully,” said Ms. Shields-Alcalde. 

Many teachers draw inspiration from their own, using the skills and patience their teachers exhibited in their classrooms in the present day. MVHS Class of 2001 alumnus, David J. Brooks, a mathematics and science teacher at Benjamin Turner Academy, was inspired by his schoolteachers to explore teaching as a profession. Mr. Brooks now teaches alongside Nadine Jefferson, who taught him science in the seventh grade.  

“These teachers really encouraged and helped me in my educational journey,” said Mr. Brooks. “These teachers found ways to make the content relevant, relatable and interesting.”

Making sure your students are heard, advocated for, and in a good environment to learn is one of the most admirable roles of being a teacher. Donna Bailey, a sixth-grade special education teacher at the Grimes School since 2019, was drawn to education by a desire to lead, but that ambition has since turned into a deep sense of service. Ms. Bailey uses humor, hands-on activities, real-world connections and movement to keep her students feeling supported and ready to learn. 

“The best part about being a teacher is witnessing growth, watching students transform from uncertain learners into confident, capable individuals,” said Ms. Bailey. “It’s the joy in their eyes when they finally 'get it.’ Our relationships are built on trust and care, and the privilege of knowing you’ve left a lasting mark on their lives, both academically and personally.” 

Teachers add on to learning and presentation with fun, hands-on activities that keep learning fresh for scholars. Ashley Wallace, who teaches English to ninth graders at STEAM, is an expert in keeping things interesting in her classroom using motivators such as prizes and celebrations to push her students forward. She has several fun activities, such as Parisian Book Cafe day, board game day, and community circles to build relationships amongst students. 

“My teaching philosophy is centered on the idea of 'Maslow before Bloom,’” said Ms. Wallace.  “This means prioritizing students' basic needs and emotional well-being before focusing on academic learning and cognitive development. By ensuring that students feel safe, supported, and valued, I create an environment where they can thrive academically and personally. Sometimes, we just need a granola bar.” 

In Lauren Petrillo’s first-grade classroom at Traphagen School, the students’ interests are used to make learning entertaining and active. Ms. Petrillo guided her students through a writing lesson where they wrote and illustrated books about kindness. Each student was able to publish their own book through this writing exercise and have a keepsake for years to come. 

“As a teacher of over 20 years, I love seeing my students grow from the beginning of the year to the end,” said Ms. Petrillo. “They become better writers, readers, and independent thinkers.” 

As a teacher, navigating the tough decisions and hard situations that arise in the classroom is second nature. 

“I think about my own children and how they might feel in a situation,” Nadine Jefferson, a BTA middle school general science and living environment teacher. “I pride myself on first creating a relationship with my students from day one. I want them to feel comfortable. We are going to be together for at least ten months, so why not make it a pleasant experience?”

In Anisha Applewhite’s classroom at MVHS, representation matters deeply. Ms. Applewhite embeds culture and inclusivity into her teaching style, and this is reflected in her IB History and Global 2 classrooms. Her biggest accomplishment as an educator is earning a second master's degree in TESOL to better support her students whose native language is not English. After earning this certification, her ENL (English as a New Language) students thrived, knowing they were supported by their teacher. 

“Beyond scores, what I value most is when students feel heard, empowered, and confident in their identities,” said Ms. Applewhite.

At Denzel Washington School of the Arts, sixth graders have the pleasure of being taught by two amazing teachers, Michelle Atterberry and Tanya Mack. A teacher’s job doesn’t stop in the classroom – it plays a part in shaping a student’s confidence, character, and life. Years later, many students come back to their old schools, visiting their teachers and thanking them for the valuable gift of education. 

“The best part of being a teacher is knowing that you get to play a significant part in a child's life in shaping who they are and how they view themselves,” said Ms. Mack. “It's also getting to meet new little strangers every year whose lives I get to impact and who, in turn, leave a lasting mark on mine!”

Ms. Atterberry takes time out of her days to make sure each and every student knows that they are capable of greatness. She uses positive affirmations to build this confidence in her scholars called “Atterberry’s Affirmations.” Today, these affirmations are copyrighted and archived in the Library of Congress. 

“Motivating students begins with making sure they know they are loved and believed in,” said Ms. Atterberry. “That often means going far beyond the job description. It also means being teachable yourself—whether it's learning their slang, understanding their fashion, or their dances. I teach my students as if they were my own children, offering them the same dedication and high expectations I would want for my own.”

The MVCSD is thankful for the hard work and dedication put in every day by over 700 teachers. Each teacher plays a key role in each student’s life by showing school pride, exercising patience, and holding education above all else.