MUSKEGON, Mich. — Staff members at the Glenside Early Childhood Center got really creative for our latest Teacher of the Week surprise. You will see in the video as the plan unfolded for one very unsuspecting educator.
This surprise was like no other that we’ve pulled off before.
The teacher, Keysha McClanahan, thought she was reading a short story to the class, and didn’t think twice about the cameras in the room thinking the video would be used at a later time to promote the school.
She realized there was more to the story once she reached the last page, which revealed that she was being recognized as Teacher of the Week.
The district had the book created just for the occasion.
“It was like, oh my gosh, like this is totally not what I thought this was going to be,” said McClanahan as she explained, “I was reading the words but it did not register until you guys opened the door and came in and I’m going, ‘what in the?’”
Her husband and daughter were there for the surprise.
“Oh my gosh, that made my heart because family is everything to me,” said McClanahan, adding, “It makes me feel really good. This is my 15th year teaching and I absolutely love it. So, it’s an honor and it’s just an overwhelming feeling of joy.”
Diana Aamodt is the program coordinator with the Glenside Early Childhood Center. She said, “We’re blessed to have her.”
Aamodt also said, “She brings so much energy to the classroom and to the children. Her passion is so alive and it’s contagious.”
McClanahan explained her strategy, saying, “If they see us smiling and having fun, they’re more apt to learn because they’re having fun.”
She says her role as a teacher goes beyond the walls of her classroom.
“I enjoy teaching because I like to impact our community. I think that school is a great way to build our community by being intentional, being those positive role models for kids and making learning fun,” said McClanahan.
“Teachers work so hard. Our teachers really give a lot and that’s why this day was so exciting to honor Keysha,” said Aamodt.
“It gives us that motivational boost to say, ‘hey, keep doing what you’re doing,’ because even on challenging days, what you’re doing is really impacting our community in a positive way,” said McClanahan.
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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