Tag Archives: Inspiration

Teacher Tammy Waddell gives to students, even after her passing

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Here is a truly inspirational story about a remarkable educator who is helping students, even after her passing last month. Elementary school teacher Tammy Waddell passed away on June 9, 2018, after a long struggle against colon cancer. In lieu of flowers, the chalkboard champion requested that donations be made in her memory to Project Connect, a local nonprofit organization that provides backpacks stuffed with school supplies to needy students within the district. In response to Tammy’s request, more than 130 backpacks were donated to the worthy cause.

Tammy dedicated her lengthy career of 30 years to Forsyth County Schools in Cumming, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. Her last teaching assignment was as a fifth grade teacher at Cumming Elementary School. When Tammy learned that her diagnosis was terminal earlier this year, she decided to retire at the end of this year. She passed away soon after. She was only 58 years old.

“She was a servant leader that loved children,” remembered Forsyth School System spokesperson Jennifer Caracciolo. “The generous backpack/supplies donations in her memory is a touching tribute.” Tammy was so respected by her fellow educators that in 2003, she was recognized as the County Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

“My cousin’s final request at her funeral was backpacks full of supplies for needy students instead of flowers,” said Dr. Brad Johnson in a tweet after the service. “A teacher to the end.” Dr. Johnson, who is also an educator, reported that approximately 100 teachers who had worked with Tammy throughout her career served as honorary pallbearers at her funeral. They lined the church’s altar and aisles with the donated backpacks, and, in a heartwarming gesture at the conclusion of the service, they carried the backpacks out of the church together.

To see more about Tammy’s funeral, view the short video created by Humankind:

Inspirational video: We Are Teachers and We Do More than Teach

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We are teachers and we do more than teach. We change the world. If you have any doubts about your importance, just click below to view a two-minute video that will show you just how important you are. Enjoy!

For more inspirational videos and a host of classroom resources, visit this fabulous  website: We Are Teachers.com.

Teachers: Marilyn Appelbaum offers Inspiration for You

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Marilyn AppelbaumHere is an inspirational quote for teachers by Marilyn Appelbaum. Marilyn is a respected therapist, consultant for schools, and former director of educational centers and private schools. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and Master’s degrees in Psychology and Education. In addition, she has served as the Executive Director of the National Center for Child Care Professionals and the National Center for Montessori Education.

Marilyn has published several books aimed at helping teachers and parents work more effectively with kids. Among her books are How to Handle Hard to Handle Students, How to Handle Hard to Handle Parents, and How to Talk to Kids So They Listen.

You can learn more about Marilyn Appelbaum at her website, ATI Seminars.

Teacher and motivational speaker Dr. Danny Brassell offers inspiration for the classroom

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Many successful classroom teachers go on to become excellent motivational speakers and/or superb trainers of neophyte teachers. Dr. Danny Brassell, a former elementary school teacher, does both!

Danny Brassell

Teacher and motivational speaker Dr. Danny Brassell

Danny was born into a middle-class family in upstate New York. While he was growing up, his family moved frequently, but his parents always emphasized the importance of education. Danny was ingrained with a strong work ethic, and even at a young age he was a hard worker. He took many jobs as a youngster, including newspaper delivery, babysitting, sandwich making, and busing tables. As a young man, he worked as an attendant at a health club, a paralegal, an assistant to a US Congressman, an archivist at a homeless shelter, and a freelance journalist. In addition to being well-traveled within the United States, Danny has also traveled to over 50 countries worldwide.

Danny graduated from Durango High School in Durango, La Plata County, Colorado. He earned Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Print Journalism from American University in 1994. In 1996, he completed the requirements for his Master’s degree in Multicultural Education from California State University. In 2001, Danny earned his PH.D. in Education from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

Danny inaugurated his career as a classroom teacher at an inner-city elementary students in Compton, California. In 1996, he began teaching at California State University. A tenured professor in the Teacher Education Department, he works with beginning teachers and administrators. He has taught courses in educational theory, reading, second language acquisition, and multiculturalism. Danny helped coordinate alternative teaching credential programs that served over 4,000 teachers in 150 schools throughout 14 school districts. In addition, Danny taught international students English as a Second Language at the American Language Institute at the University of Southern California. He is the founding director of a Master’d degree program offered by Loyola Marymount University’s, in partnership with Teach for America.

You can find out more about this amazing chalkboard champion at his website, dannybrassell.com. You can also view the short excerpt of one of his motivational speeches from March 6, 2017. Simply click below.