Commentary: Good teachers have a big influence; let’s recognize them

The last few weekends were a time to celebrate and congratulate all the graduates. My granddaughter, Jessie, is a proud graduate of the University of Oregon. Go Ducks.

We hug and wish them good lock in all their future endeavors. But, I got to thinking, who encouraged them to graduate from high school? And continue on to college? Certainly parents and family deserve a lot of the credit, but their own desire is the utmost. I personally give kudos to our great teachers and counselors.

The transition from elementary school to middle school can be overwhelming. But, all six of my grandchildren had the good fortune to go to Frontier. I’m not discrediting Chief Mo at all, but I only have first-hand knowledge about Frontier.

I can’t even begin to name the awesome teachers who make Frontier the great school that it is. Mr. Gjefle, a great teacher and a cross country coach of many years. Ms. Gardener, gym teacher plus coach of track, cross country and so much more.

I have had Chief Mo kids tell me, “We never knew who Frontier’s principal was, but we all know Santos.” For those of you who don’t know who Santos is, she has been a counselor for many years. Santos has the gift of making every student feel special and that they can accomplish anything. Every school should have a Santos.

All the school activities she organized – contests, dances, actual sleepovers in the gym, if grades and behavior were good. And her former students at the high school come back to help and talk to the kids. When Jessie was accepted to UO, she couldn’t wait to go tell Santos, as she was the person who was such a strong influence.

Does your child, or did you, have a teacher who went above and beyond in their job? Are you thankful that they became an educator? It takes a very special, unique, caring person to become a teacher. I think that virtual learning should have made us appreciate how truly valuable our teachers are. Write or email our school board and let them know about your great teacher.

I will be stopping at Frontier in September with cupcakes or muffins, to tell the teachers, especially Santos, how much they have influenced hundreds of kids.

Joan M. Green lives in Moses Lake.