CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. — Our latest Teacher of the Week really has some chops on her! 13 ON YOUR SIDE got to hear the beautiful voices of the Cedar Springs choir teacher and her students shortly after a successful surprise.
Linda Tata had the wrong idea, at first. She said, “I thought I was in trouble when they sent me away.” Shortly after being called away from the classroom, she walked back into our surprise. “I’ve never been honored in this kind of way. So, I’m excited,” she said.
Grand Valley University brought this choir teacher originally from the east side of the state to West Michigan.
“I just love kids and I love music. So, I wanted to share that passion and I’ve been here in Cedar Springs for 14 years,” said Tata. She’s spent all 14 years in the same classroom, and her job is somewhat of a family tradition. Tata told 13 ON YOUR SIDE, “Both of my sisters are music teachers, also. So, it runs in the family.”
Todd Simmons is the Cedar Springs High School principal. He said, “I’d put our professionals up against any. I really believe in this team. Really believe in our educators and what they do for our kids on a daily basis.”
“So many people are leaving this profession. There are just a lot of demands and a lot of stress from teachers, but I am so glad that you show the positive,” said Tata.
She’s giving students a chance to show off their creativity.
“Every kid should be given the opportunity to find their personal best. You know, find their potential and in order to do that, you have to offer a multitude of opportunities,” said Principal Simmons as he explained the importance of having choir available to students. “Mrs. T. gives that opportunity because there’s so many kids in the school who are so talented in the arts.”
“I pick good music and it makes us feel all sorts of things,” said Tata, before turning to her students and saying, “I think we should show a little bit of 'Bridge over Troubled Waters.'”
Simmons described Tata as, “Committed, passionate, true, true, true love for all kids, fights for all kids. She just truly believes in this place, and she believes in our kids.”
Tata explained, “I actually teach kids in sixth through 12th grade in this district. So, I get to know kids over seven years. So, we form a really good bond.”
Principal Simmons advocated that we do more for our teachers.
“They just do not receive the respect, they don’t receive the appreciation, they don’t receive the compensation that they really deserve,” said Simmons.
“There are great teachers, passionate teachers that are not giving up. It’s hard, but don’t give up because the kids need us,” said Tata.
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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