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Guest column by Mary Hinnenkamp

As a retired teacher, there are things I do not miss about teaching. I do not miss being at work by 7:30 a.m., or morning staff meetings, or misbehaving students, or cell phones, or weekends spent grading papers and working on lesson plans. But I do I miss introducing students to new books, new skills, new ideas. And I miss working with a team of professionals who were all focused on the goal of teaching and helping students to be successful. I miss forming relationships with students who are as diverse as Albert Lea is diverse.

Anyone who pays attention to the news knows that the job of teaching is an increasingly challenging one. In a recent Pew Research Center poll, teachers say that the major challenges facing their students are poverty, absenteeism and mental health struggles. In the classroom, these challenges play out as students’ lack of interest in learning, cell phone usage and behavior issues. Add to this, low teacher pay, stress, constantly changing technology and a lack of time to do all the extra work involved in teaching such as lesson planning, meetings, emails, school duties and grading.

On a positive note, in that same poll, the majority of teachers reported that teaching is fulfilling and enjoyable. Over 70% said that their relationship with other teachers were very satisfying and kept them positive.

And while the job of teachers becomes increasingly complicated and difficult, our Albert Lea teachers always rise to the challenge. This is evidenced by the 76 nominations for Teacher of the Year.

You know what all students want from their teachers? They appreciate teachers who are “fun,” “caring,” “kind” and “welcoming.” They want to be seen, welcomed and to feel that learning is fun, and that they can be successful.

Parents want teachers who are “skilled,” “dedicated,” one who inspires her son to “wake up wanting to go to school,” who dramatically improved her child’s reading skills, who “recognizes each student for their strengths.” One parent wrote of his son’s teacher and “his exceptional ability to create a positive and engaging learning environment.”

Teachers appreciate colleagues who are “positive,” “flexible,” “creative,” “never gives up on her kids,” is a “team player.” They wrote: “He is a mentor, role model and champion for students.” “She is a cheerleader for every kid, but especially those who may not have anyone in their corner.”

The intent of the Teacher of the Year award is to encourage our teachers, to recognize them for the hard work they do, and to emphasize the importance of their profession to all of us. Please thank a teacher in your life. Maybe your child, grandchild or you yourself had a teacher who has made a difference.

Years ago, when I was still teaching, I received a letter from a recent graduate who had entered the Navy. He told me that I had taught him to speak up with confidence, that his ideas mattered and that I had reawakened his love of reading. I had made a difference in his life. I carried that letter in my purse for years. I encourage you to write that letter of gratitude now to your teacher.

On Wednesday at 3:45 p.m. in the Albert Lea High School Commons, the Teacher of the Year Committee will hold our Teacher of the Year reception to announce our Teacher of the Year. All are welcome to come and celebrate with us.

Mary Hinnenkamp is a retired teacher and member of the Teacher of the Year Committee for Albert Lea Area Schools.