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NEA News

Ready For Some Good News? Educators Share What's Happening in Their Classrooms

It's easy to be overwhelmed by all the bad news lately, so we asked educators to let us know about the great things going on in their schools.
Published: October 17, 2017

four-day school weekWe asked educators on NEA Today Facebook about the best thing that happened in their classrooms and schools last week. Some raised money with their students for disaster relief, others attended fun school-community events, and a whole lot had break-through moments with their students that sometimes brought tears to their eyes. We can all use a little positivity, so here's a roundup of the good news they shared:

A discouraged dyslexic third grader has realized he can read the books I have set in a bin for him… and asked for permission to take some of the books to his after school program! This is the boy who normally says thing are too hard and puts his head down! Theresa Early, Fairfax, Virginia

Through the generous donations of my friends, I took my low-income, urban, Boston-area students on a field trip to New York City – the Empire State Building, Times Square, Ellen's Stardust Diner, Liberty Cruise, Pizza Suprema - because they got the highest growth percentile on our state exam, because they worked their butts off every day in class, reading six more books than were in the curriculum, and because they are AWESOME. Nancy Petriello Barile, Boston, Massachusetts

My two newcomers with very little English yet, and who are both still pretty reluctant to attempt to speak in front of the whole class, enthusiastically volunteered to share their mathematical thinking and strategies during a math session this week. They were beaming from ear to ear with pride... Not only proud of them for putting themselves out there, but also for how supportive and encouraging the rest of the class always is of them. Made my week! Jennifer Gage Moke, Portland, Oregon

My seniors and AP juniors hosted a college and career fair for younger students (5th-10th graders). Each of my students became an "expert" on a college, military branch, or career field he or she hopes to pursue, created a table display and one-page informational handout, then they shared their research knowledge with their visitors. Barb Brown Andres, New Lothrop, Michigan

My first grade students performed All You Need is Love at our monthly assembly. We had picked the song long ago but it was so timely. Children remind all of us how beautiful the world is. They inspire me and drive me to be the best I can be every single day. Marianne Vasquez, Bakersfield, California

We presented a check for $5,100 to fund childhood cancer research at a local charity, the N8 Foundation. I work at the same school as Marianne Vasquez. Our school had a good week. Karen Nguyen, Bakersfield, California

I was subbing this week and when I introduced myself to the teacher she screamed and started crying because I had been her 2nd grade teacher!! I was so touched but felt old! Linda Morgan, Highland, California

During a math review quiz, one group worked together and only missed one question. But better than that was the collaboration. I heard things like, "We both got the same answer, do you agree with us" and "yes, I agree because...." I was so happy I could cry!  Megan Rene, McMinn, Lewiston, Idaho

We had a kindergarten potluck at a local park. It was so fun for the kids, parents and grandparents to have a chance to meet each other. I loved spending time with my students' families and meeting families from the other K classrooms with my K team. Carol Harris, Steamboat Springs, Colorado

I have a student that is passing a high school math class for the first time… the joy on the student’s face makes all the daily struggles so worth it!  Nell Dearing, Carlsbad, New Mexico

Thursday I returned as a volunteer at our highest poverty school to help some of the most dedicated teachers and work with kiddos that fill my heart! Phyllis Schneider Winkley, Vernon, Connecticut

New student came into our classroom and did not have a "rest buddy" of his own for rest time. The next day, a concerned child brought a gently used and carefully chosen stuffed animal of his own for his new friend. Heartwarming! Shelly Hess, Vincent, Ohio

Our association members attended events in the three communities that make up our district, raffling off 12 baskets of books, three Kindle fires and three family memberships to the Philadelphia zoo. Raffle tickets were free as prizes were donated by the teachers. Nicole May Armbruster, Aston, Pennsylvania

I got to see a second-grader who is struggling with behavior be a great role model to a first-grader who is struggling with behavior. Seeing them interact in such a sweet, friendly manner made my heart happy! Sarah Wood, Keizer, Oregon

An email from a parent informed me that her child loves my class and is excited about learning to love reading and writing, a subject she's struggled with in the past. 
Joel Elrod Melsha, Orlando, Florida

A student who had done poorly in his first test put forth great effort at home studying, coming for extra help and really focusing during the test. (that is hard for him). He finished early so I graded his test and it was a perfect test --100%. It was his birthday too. Right from the classroom, we called mom in front of the whole class and celebrated him. His mom was happy and the class applauded him. His smile lit up the whole room. Debra Calle, Bergenfield, New Jersey

A student who is homeless was going to have to transfer schools and be uprooted from all that is stable in his life. Our transportation department figured it out and will be busing him! Autumn Schultz, Toledo, Washington

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The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.