
According to United To Learn Volunteer School Liaison Margaret Hirsch,
“Can you name at least one teacher that made a difference in your life?
“For me, it’s easily more than one… Ms. Castle in Kindergarten, Ms. Leventhal in 4th grade, Ms. Kramer in 6th grade, and Dr. Saxon my junior year of high school, to name a few! They all taught me to find joy in learning.
“Maybe you had a teacher who gave you a second chance, inspired you to try something new or coached you to master a difficult concept?

“Mr. Kramer, my high school AP History teacher, will always stand out as the one who taught me that a teacher who challenges you, does so because they believe in you. I’ll never forget when he patiently walked me through some very tough comments on one of my papers and said, “I challenge you because I respect you.” That has stayed with me throughout life and has entirely changed my perspective when I receive difficult feedback. I now know to take it as a sign of respect and belief in my capacity, and that makes it validating, instead of disheartening.
“This year teachers are working harder than ever to go the extra mile for their students—whether they be in person or online.
“My wish for this holiday is that we all value and appreciate our tireless Dallas ISD teachers and care for them through United to Learn!
“United to Learn works with 47 Dallas ISD elementary schools to support 2,100 hero educators who pour out all their energy, every day for 26,100 students—90% of whom live in poverty. United to Learn encourages these teachers, principals and the staff through big, fun, morale-boosting events four times a year – and we need your help to create these large-scale acts of appreciation! This holiday, will you share a small gift of kindness for these remarkable teachers and leaders? Sponsor a staff appreciation holiday lunch at an elementary school? Share $20 Starbucks gift cards we can send to teachers?
“The impact of acts of kindness has very real impact on teachers and students! According to Gallup, teachers who receive regular recognition and praise are more:
- “productive,
- “engaged at work,
- “likely to stay with their school, and
- “likely to receive higher satisfaction scores from students and parents.
“Don’t just take the benefits of United to Learn’s work from me. Principal Philip Potter of Walnut Hill Elementary said it best: ‘Having worked in three different urban environments in education (including Cincinnati and Chicago), I have never seen an organization like United to Learn that partners with and supports public education like family. We are blessed to have United to Learn!’
“This year more than ever, we need to appreciate the teachers and leaders who do so much for our young learners and are going above and beyond as essential frontline workers through the pandemic. Your donations will help us continue to show Dallas ISD educators how very cherished they are.
“To help fund United to Learn’s appreciation efforts in 47 Dallas ISD elementary campuses, please reach out to United to Learn Chief Advancement Officer Megan Hughet via email: [email protected] or simply donate online.”
* Graphic/photo provided by United To Learn
Abigail Williams says
Thank you Margaret for reminding us of the tireless efforts of so many of our childhood heroes – teachers – who especially today need and deserve to feel appreciated.