Teacher Appreciation Month: Harmony Educator Advisory Group Share Their Stories!
It’s Teacher Appreciation Month and we’re sharing deep gratitude for the educators in our lives! Behind every successful student is a teacher who made a lasting impact. Our Harmony Educator Advisory Group (EAG) members are coming together to celebrate the educators who sparked their curiosity, encouraged their growth, and shaped their own learning journeys.
Right photo: Josh Monroe as a student on a field trip in Mr. Henry’s class.
The reason my smile always appears — and grows the more I reflect — is because of Mr. Henry. Mr. Henry was the first adult outside of my immediate family who made me feel truly loved for who I was. While I don’t remember exactly what he taught our class, I’ll never forget how he made me feel — loved, respected, and cared for, to name a few. He attended music class. He was the all-time quarterback at recess. He could often be found pushing kids on the swings. He played board games with us during downtime. He was always present. I had the privilege of taking my first job at the school I attended, and I was blessed to work alongside Mr. Henry. We worked together for 11 years, and I had the honor of teaching all three of his daughters.
When I think about what I want to be when I grow up, the answer is simple: Mr. Henry.
When I was studying in the education department at Hope College, I had a professor named Dr. Jane Finn. She was the reason I changed my major from elementary education to special education, and encouraged me to pursue my passions of meeting the needs of all learners. She helped me find field placements that transformed my teaching. I will forever be grateful to Dr. Finn.
When I think of teachers who shaped my journey, Mrs. Tropf, my 5th grade teacher, stands out. She made every student feel valued, challenged us to think critically, and instilled in me a lifelong love for learning. Years later, as I pursued my own path in education, Mrs. Tropf remained a guiding influence. Her dedication was truly evident when she traveled across the country to watch me teach. Seeing her in my classroom was a full-circle moment — proof of a teacher’s lasting impact. Now, as a school leader, I strive to mirror her passion and belief in every student. To Mrs. Tropf and all the teachers who shape young minds — thank you for making a difference.
Way back when I was just 11 years old, my 6th grade teacher, Ms. DiBuono, was such an inspiration to me. She showed us what it meant to be human by caring for us little humans. When October came around, she rolled the TV into our classroom and let us watch the Mets in the ‘86 Playoffs (I guess I’m dating myself here). I can’t tell you one reading or math strategy from that school year, and yet she will always be one of my favorites. Not because we watched the Mets; it’s because she showed us that sometimes it’s okay to put reading and math aside and allow life to take over.
Fifty years ago, when I entered her classroom in January 1974, I had no idea my first-grade teacher, Mrs. Remley, would provide a model for me as a future teacher focused on building healthy relationships.
Born in 1917, she started teaching in 1937 and her memory is unrelentless. Mrs. Remley said under the leadership of Principal Eudora Fields, teachers were encouraged to develop and improve relationships with ALL students. However, it wasn’t until 1964 that the school was integrated and received its first African American students. She explained, “The memories of integration over fifty years later have not escaped me.”
That same empathetic spirit is what greeted me when I entered her classroom in January 1974. As a shy 7-year-old, I began attending this neighborhood school.
I met with Mrs. Remley a few years ago and I thanked her for being a significant part of my initial growth. Mrs. Remley was elated to learn this and shared her personal motto and approach to working with students: “First, I cared about students; secondly, I let them know I cared and then thirdly, I meant what I said!” Mrs. Remley cared enough to be intentional in embracing the needs of ALL of her students. I am living proof that teachers’ actions change students’ lives.
Bottom photos: Claudine James (left) as a student in Mrs. Remley’s class (right).
My high school P.E. teacher and tennis coach, Mrs. Triplett, had the greatest impact on my confidence as I transitioned from high school to college. She was tough — someone you didn’t mess with — but she pushed us to be our best. I had P.E. first period, which wasn’t ideal for a high school girl who wanted to look her best for the day, but that didn’t matter to Mrs. Triplett. She had us outside in the misty weather playing field hockey, and no one dared to complain. I learned to take what she gave us and push through without excuses.
In tennis, she challenged me to step down from my number one seed to join a doubles team, giving us a better shot at making it to state. She taught me to be my own person, forge my own path, and make sacrifices for the greater good. I also learned that life is bigger than the halls of high school and that the friends I thought had my back often didn’t.
My family moved right after graduation, and I never saw Mrs. Triplett again. I never had the chance to tell her that I became a teacher with the same tough attitude she had. But I think of her often when I stand in front of my students, especially the tough ones, and remind them that we can all rise above our circumstances — because no one controls our lives but ourselves.
One teacher who profoundly inspired me was Mr. Rubio, my AP United States History teacher. His innovative projects and engaging lessons made history come alive, transforming the learning experience into something real and relevant. But what truly set Mr. Rubio apart wasn’t just his high expectations, exceptional teaching, or the positive classroom culture he created. He was one of the rare teachers who truly saw me as an individual and went above and beyond to support me. Not only is he a major reason I chose to pursue a career in education, but he was also instrumental in helping me get into college. His unwavering belief in my potential — coupled with countless hours spent revising college essays, guiding me through scholarship opportunities, and discussing my future options — made my college journey possible.
Having Mrs. Katie Weber as my mentor teacher was an incredibly fortunate experience. She stands out as the most caring and passionate educator I’ve ever encountered. Learning from her wasn’t just about acquiring teaching methodologies; it was about understanding the profound importance of genuine care and empathy for each student. She instilled in me a deep appreciation for the individual needs and circumstances that shape each child’s learning journey, and showed me how to create a supportive and nurturing classroom environment. Her ability to connect with each student on a personal level and offer unwavering support was truly amazing. She had a knack for understanding their individual needs and tailoring her approach to ensure everyone felt seen and valued.
Beyond just imparting knowledge, she fostered a genuine connection with each student, learning about their interests, aspirations, and even their worries. Her lessons were anything but ordinary; they were vibrant, engaging, and full of unexpected twists that kept everyone excited to learn. With her boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm, she made the classroom a space where students felt comfortable being themselves, both inside and outside of the academic realm.
My two most influential teachers were in 2nd grade. They were very different types of teachers. Because they team taught, I had the opportunity to have both teachers simultaneously. Their names were Mrs. Griner and Mrs. Robinson. Mrs. Robinson was able to bring to life the readings and writings we did every day. We did skits, drew our feelings, and even discussed the outcomes of characters as a whole class. We knew that we had to read and write at a specific level and we all wanted to get to that level to participate in the discussions. Mrs. Griner was a wonderful math teacher. She used manipulatives, drawings, and was incredible at breaking down word problems to show us how to better solve them. I appreciated her and her willingness to explain math in different ways. She was a teacher known for her various strategies to keep kids engaged.
My sixth grade science teacher, Mrs. Mills, is my all-time favorite teacher. She provided a safe and welcoming environment as I transitioned from elementary school into middle school. She was fun and made learning engaging. She always had us do projects and group work that was meaningful. Mrs. Mills also had high expectations of students and pushed us to learn. Fast forward 25 years, I bought a house where ironically she lived in the home across the street. She now mentors my two kids, brings me treats after work, and is a source of educator comradery as she is now retired. She continues to make my life better and I am so thankful to her.
The teacher who most inspired me was Dr. Jasmine Brann, my 10th-grade Spanish teacher at my high school in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Growing up with a long and sometimes challenging name for others to pronounce, many teachers called me “Alex” because it was easier for them. However, when I entered Dr. Brann’s class, she made it a point to call me by my full name Alejandro — and encouraged me to embrace its history with pride rather than feel self-conscious about its length or pronunciation. That small but powerful gesture made me feel truly seen and understood, and from that moment on, I chose to go by my full name.
Beyond that, Dr. Brann’s passion for teaching and the way she uplifted her students inspired me to become an educator myself. She showed me the power of representation, respect, and the lasting impact a teacher can have on a student’s identity and confidence.
Dr. Brann has since transitioned from teaching Spanish to becoming a principal in D.C. Public Schools, at a school not far from mine. I had the incredible surprise of reconnecting with her at a training session, where I learned about the impact she continues to make in education. She was recently recognized as Principal of the Year, and she now leads one of the few bilingual elementary schools in Washington, D.C., continuing to inspire students every day — just as she inspired me.
I’d like to share the name of my high school teacher, Mr. Javier, who had a profound impact on my life. Mr. Javier was not just a teacher; he was a mentor who truly believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself. His unwavering support and encouragement helped me see my potential, even during moments of self-doubt. He had a unique way of making each student feel valued and important, fostering a classroom environment that nurtured growth and creativity.
One of the most memorable moments was when he took the time to recognize my efforts in a project that I had poured my heart into. His kind words and constructive feedback motivated me to push through challenges, igniting a passion for learning that I didn’t know I had.
Mr. Javier’s belief in my abilities was a catalyst for change, and he is the reason I decided to become a teacher myself. I want to inspire my students in the same way he inspired me — helping them build confidence and discover their strengths. His impact on my life shaped my teaching philosophy, reminding me every day that every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Thank you, Mr. Javier, for changing my life!
Join Our May Webinar!
Ready for more inspiration? Get ready for an insightful conversation with educational researcher and debut author, Dr. Christina Cipriano, to explore how voicing your unique needs and experiences can drive educational excellence for every child. Tune in on May 13, 2025 at 1 p.m. PDT/ 4 p.m. EDT.
