With National Teacher Appreciation week recently ending on May 6th, we celebrated with a perfect way to highlight and star Shorecrest’s amazing teachers. Teachers have a bigger impact on their students than they know, and we can’t help but notice and appreciate the teachers that have gone the extra mile to make our school the best it can be.

When asked which teacher was his favorite, Xave Reyes-Jech responded, “Ms. Fresco, she’s my Ethnic Studies teacher and I couldn’t imagine a better person for the job! She provides a lot of insight and knowledge and really connects with the students!” When asked about Ms. Fresco, many students said she was their favorite teacher for her kindness, honesty, and reliability. Ms. Fresco makes Shorecrest a better school for all students. She always has an open door and smile, and you will find many students sitting in her class even if they aren’t enrolled in the class.

Behind a lot of incredible teachers are their own past teachers who inspired them to get into teaching. Though for Ms. Steward, she has an ironic story to tell about the development of her teaching career stating, “When I was in physics class in high school, my teacher told me I should be a teacher and I laughed in his face.”

Ms. Fresco gave some insight as to why she became a teacher. “Honestly, I first became a teacher because I had a history degree and didn’t know what to do with it… when I was at UW I taught a class called ‘Pinoy Teach’ for a couple semesters and volunteered in a GED program for Latinx students called PODER, I really enjoyed working with young people, so I thought maybe I’ll be a teacher.”

She continues, “The journey wasn’t easy, though, I applied for graduate school and wasn’t accepted the first time around… then as a long shot, I applied to NYU and got in! It was the best thing that happened to me because my education at NYU gave me a perspective on education and life. NYU taught me about the whole student and that anyone can learn and be a lifelong learner. I learned to teach with a Social Justice lens. I’ve taken that to heart and that’s why I teach. I have had the honor to be part of hundreds of scholars’ educational journeys. I continue to teach because I know how important it is to close educational gaps, share precious knowledge, share forgotten narratives, give voice to those who have been silenced, and ultimately give students the opportunities to see themselves in our learning and open doors and windows into different perspectives to build historical empathy.”

Ms. Fresco is a role model for many students and is an example of how teachers can truly make a difference to their students. Thank you, Ms. Fresco! You’re amazing!

When asked what teacher she appreciated the most, Lyla Higgins said, “I appreciate Ms. Comnick because when Ms. Butorac left, she stepped up to sub for her classes and she works really hard to make sure she understands the material so that she can teach it to us well.” Lyla Higgins continued, “She’s always willing to answer my questions and work together to figure out problems. So she’s been very helpful!” Lyla Higgins was able to understand the material for Calculus because of Ms. Comnick. Ms. Comnick has definitely gone above and beyond to make sure class is interesting and interactive for all her students.

Lucy Einstein said, “I appreciate Mrs. Goenen. She is a very kind and caring person. She always makes you feel special and brightens your day.” Many students like Lucy have been able to enjoy Walking and Yoga because Mrs. Goenen makes the class enjoyable and caters to her students’ interests.

For those teachers who weren’t mentioned, you are amazing and have such a positive impact on this community. Every teacher at Shorecrest is exceptional and deserves to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to their students. There aren’t enough words to describe how thankful we all are for our teachers and their excellence! You all change lives. Thank you!