NORTON SHORES, Mich. — Our newest Teacher of the Week – like so many of them – said she never expected to be recognized for simply doing what she loves. Still, students and staff couldn’t wait to celebrate this outstanding educator.
After walking into the Mona Shores Middle School classroom for the surprise, Teacher of the Week Gretchen Mineni said, “I had no idea. It’s just my job. It’s what I love to do. So, I wouldn’t expect it. I don’t need to be recognized for what I do. I just, I love these kids and I love being able to come to work every single day and see these smiling faces.”
Doug Ammeraal is the principal, who said, “Just super excited for Gretchen. She’s someone who cares deeply about kids, cares deeply about the work that she does day in and day out.”
He explained how staff worked to get Mineni out of the classroom and then, “we filled that room with as many people as we could to surprise and so I know that that really meant a lot to her and to the kids that are in there. They get to see and experience that and recognize her.”
“It means the world to me honestly. Like I say, I love each and every one of these students and I would do anything and everything for them, whatever it takes, whether it’s needing a snack, a hug, just like that, ‘hey, you got this kiddo,’ you know,” said Mineni.
She was born in Michigan and left the state and moved to California for 25 years, only to return to the Mitten State about six years ago.
“I love teaching because I love being with kids. I love making a difference in kids’ lives. I know when I was younger, I had somebody that made a difference in my life, and I just want to give back to them,” said Mineni.
“Gretchen has a big heart. She’s humble and at the end of the day she wants to impact the lives of kids,” said Ammeraal.
Mineni teaches English and is also part of the school’s peer-to-peer program, which partners general education students with their inclusive program or special education students for different activities and events.
“It’s just amazing to see that difference because our kids all know that difference doesn’t mean less,” said Mineni.
She added that, “As a teacher, our job is hard. It’s hard every day to deal with all the pressures of things, but these kids, their job is so much harder. To deal with social media and all the things that they have to deal with and so it’s just great to be able to be that light and help for them.”
“Any opportunity we have to say ‘thank you’ to a teacher, to tell them that they’re loved and valued and appreciated like we do here, we need to take those opportunities because if we don’t, the people that are going to suffer are our kids. So, we appreciate the fact that you and that WZZM does this and that we can recognize our teachers here in Michigan,” said Ammeraal.
If you have someone you’d like to nominate as our next Teacher of the Week, just text the word “teacher” to 616-559-1310.
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