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What MyPath Teachers Appreciate Most About Their Profession
Last week, MyPath joined the rest of the world in recognizing and honoring the incredible work of teachers!
We are honored to have hard-working, dedicated, experienced teachers who love and appreciate their work as much as we love them.
We asked a few of our teachers what they most appreciate about their profession. Read their responses below!
Samantha Abbott
Special Education Teacher, The Richardson School - Madison
"What I appreciate most about being a teacher is the amount of love I experience daily from my students. I understand that I get to see my students grow and develop all the skills they need to succeed. I appreciate the support we get from co-workers and admin when I am having a difficult time.
Overall, I just truly appreciate being a teacher at MyPath, where we make such a big impact in our students' lives.
What I appreciate about the other teachers I work with is their passion for teaching and helping our students grow! They are always willing to solve problems and bounce ideas off to create the best environment for our students."
Larry Feeley
Teacher, The Richardson School - Brookfield
"As a teacher, I appreciate knowing that my energy and efforts contribute to positive changes in our student's lives. I feel fulfilled when thinking that my efforts will lead to a successful future(s) as individuals and as a society as a whole.
I appreciate being inspired by my fellow teacher's creativity and the ability to collaborate as a staff to invoke positive change throughout the day."
Special Educator, Genesee Lake School
"What I appreciate most about being a teacher is seeing my students' progress over time. Seeing their hard work and successes shows me that my presence has a purpose and that what I do is meaningful.
What I appreciate most about the teachers I work with are their positive attitudes, perseverance when things get challenging and creative, and "thinking-outside-the-box problem-solving skills." I am fortunate to have such knowledgeable co-workers who are always available to listen and share advice!"
Jessica Rychlik
Special Educator, Genesee Lake School
"Seeing my students achieve academic, social, emotional, and life goals is so rewarding and what I look forward to most. I appreciate their willingness to try new things and to stick it out when things get tough. I appreciate the notes they leave about enjoying a project or thanking me for teaching them something new. I am proud of their perseverance and accomplishments every day.
I have always been lucky to work with a great team of teachers who support their students and each other. I appreciate their hard work and long hours, their ability to lift each other, and to be there for their students every day, even during the tough times."
Making Great Strides at Genesee Lake School, a MyPath Company
People who know Liam describe him as incredibly smart, creative, and mechanically inclined. He has made great strides since January when he was admitted to Genesee Lake School, a MyPath Company.
Genesee Lake School provides education, therapeutic, and vocational services for approximately 85 students in its residential school and nearly 35 students in its day school in Wisconsin.
Before he arrived at Genesee Lake School, Liam had violent outbursts, refused to go to school, and had trouble following rules. According to Genesee Lake School staff, it was difficult for Liam to learn to trust them and to communicate with his peers, as well as understand classroom expectations.
Kayla Waterhouse, Cypress Supervisor at Genesee Lake School, said that when Liam arrived, he struggled to trust the staff who were there to care for and protect him. Sadly, the team didn’t provide the support he needed at a previous location.
“Liam has come a long way opening up to Genesee Lake School, staff because he trusts them and enjoys joking around with them," said Kayla. "He has also shown improvement in classroom participation and communication with his peers and staff."
“Staff helps me if I am struggling or if I get upset. I can talk things through," said Liam. “I have learned ways to just not be mad anymore, and when I am mad, I don’t throw things. I talk to people now, and it’s okay to accept rules.”
Liam’s mom, Jessica, says He is doing awesome in the Genesee Lake School environment.
"He hasn’t had any huge outbursts since coming to Genesee Lake School and is respectful with manners," said Jessica. "He is the most resilient kid I know! Liam is brilliant and creative. Anyone who meets him will be blown away by the knowledge he has to engineer things, including his functioning locking Lego safes and Lego fans with motors. Liam also has quite a green thumb. He has created his own garden in his room. My hopes for Liam are that he succeeds in whatever career path he chooses."
Jessica adds every single staff member at Genesee Lake School has been compassionate and communicative.
"As a mother, I was extremely worried of my son not getting the help or support he deserves after his first stay at another location failed," said Jessica. Genesee Lake School has made my mind settle and believe and know that my son is where he is thriving and getting all the support he needs. I have a feeling that when this is all said and done, my family and I will owe Genesee Lake School, everything for literally saving our lives and making sure my son doesn’t just become another statistic or diagnosis!”
When asked what Liam is most thankful for, he says, “I really like all the staff. I can tell they care about me and help me. I can talk to them and trust them. I have a safe, fun place to live.”