Our Blog: where do you stand?

Ashlyn Brewer says:

Tue, May 03, 2011 at 10:19:am

I had two professors at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Dr. Frisby and Dr. Len-Rios, who encouraged me to have faith in myself and pushed me to build my skill set.  Without their confidence in me or their guidance, I certainly wouldn’t be working here.

Thus, not only am I thanking them today, but all of my colleagues should be too.

Jessica Hartman says:

Tue, May 03, 2011 at 10:30:am

My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Skaggs, was a wonderful teacher that at a very early age taught us that science wasn’t just for boys. She implemented hands-on activities, including transforming our classroom into a rainforest, that made going to school each day that year an adventure. I credit her with fostering creativity within her students and encouraging them to explore education independently-not just when they were physically at school.

Maya says:

Tue, May 03, 2011 at 10:31:am

Being married to a teacher has been one of the most eye-opening experiences in my life. I had countless teachers who influenced me throughout school, and I never appreciated all that they did - from putting in countless hours for extracurricular activities to writing letters of recommendation.

What’s even more eye-opening is that education and learning starts from birth. I’ve had the privilege of working with Parents as Teachers and seeing the amazing work they do from birth to kindergarten to make sure that children have a solid foundation for school and a strong start to life.

So for all of those amazing educators committed to our future… THANK YOU!

Maggie Brandt says:

Tue, May 03, 2011 at 10:57:am

While I have countless teachers I would love to thank, I want to give special recognition to my childhood dance teacher, Miss Marilyn Schunzel. I started dancing at the older age of 11 and was desperately behind the rest of the students in technique (and grace in general). Miss Marilyn, who has been instructing students in dance for over 40 years, patiently helped me practice complicated steps and continually provided encouragement, even when I know I looked more like a flailing duck than a swan. She never, ever yelled at a student, praised each student for her improvements and approached each class as a time to just have fun. Over time she boosted my confidence by asking me to help instruct younger students and I still remember how happy I felt when I finally got to dance front and center in our yearly recital.

Thank you, Miss Marilyn, for the grace you taught me and all your students!

Pat says:

Tue, May 03, 2011 at 1:04:pm

It truly is amazing the impact parents have on those developing minds! We’re honored to be able to touch children’s lives in such an impactful way at Parents as Teachers. Thanks for realizing that Parents as Teachers really is the gateway to the education continuum!

Maya says:

Tue, May 03, 2011 at 1:35:pm

Pat - It’s fascinating to see people starting to widely recognize and accept the need for early childhood education and support, particularly in national policies/education reform. Education really does begin at home!

Cathy says:

Tue, May 03, 2011 at 3:56:pm

I salute Paul Morgan, my college public relations professor and advisor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism.  In one meeting, he changed my journalism emphasis and showed me my future career—and—bonus—my revised schedule put me into the Columbia Missourian newsroom, where I met my husband, then working as a TA and copyeditor!

Chrissy says:

Wed, May 04, 2011 at 9:51:am

It’s wonderful to see the impact teachers have had on our lives. I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank my college professor, John Blakemore, for all his guidance and support. I originally wanted to pursue a career in radio broadcasting, but after a public relations course with Mr. Blakemore my freshman year, he convinced me that public relations was the field for me. I’ve never looked back!