Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated across the United States to recognize teachers and thank them for the work they do both inside and outside the classroom. For many students, teachers become more than just instructors. They can also become mentors, supporters, and trusted adults during important years of students’ lives. At Morro Bay High School, several students shared stories about teachers who made a strong impact on them this year.
Teachers play an important role in students’ lives, not just academically but also personally. For many students, there is one teacher who stands out during the school year. These teachers often contribute more than just teaching, and can be good support in both school work and life.
Abigayle Tuller singles out her teacher, Mrs. Heidt, as the person who has made the biggest impression this year. She describes a teacher who treats students maturely and respectfully.
“Mrs. Heidt, because she is really good at treating students like young adults. Trust like her kids in her class, and she really collaborates; she’s always there for her students. She helps you a lot with colleges, and it’s just the way she treats you that feels amazing. You just feel like a young adult, not every teacher does that,” Tuller said.
While there isn’t one specific moment that stands out, Tuller said that the support has been consistent throughout the year.
“I don’t know about a specific moment, but just like all around, like she’s just super nice and always really supportive. And one specific moment is probably when she helps me with college stuff. And I don’t have a lot of personal stuff going on, but I’m sure if I needed someone to talk to, I would have talked with her,” said Tuller.
She also emphasizes the learning environment in the classroom and how the teachers put in extra effort. “She creates such a cool learning environment, and she always has so many different and cool labs. And I really like the way she teaches. and she puts a lot of time and energy into her students,” said Tuller.
“I want to say thank you for always being an amazing teacher. And supports students, not just me, it’s everyone. And always put in an effort to really talk with all the people in the classrooms and ask them about colleges and stuff,” said Tuller.
Senior Violet Pace points to a different type of teacher role, where both teaching and sports play an important role. For her, economics teacher and basketball coach Alex Engel has made a big difference.
“Alex Engel, because he’s my econ teacher this semester. He’s a good teacher; I’m learning a lot about the economy, and also outside of teaching, he is my basketball coach. If I have a problem, I can talk to him about my personal life, and he’s just always there for me,” said Pace.
Throughout the basketball season, she experienced special support and follow-up. “With basketball, he has taught me what I need to work on and has been really supportive. When I have a problem and go to him, he’s like a mentor, kinda,” Pace said.
One specific moment she remembers well is how he lifted her up and was always there for her. “Basketball season, he always congratulated me, and was like showing me to other coaches,” Pace said.
She also highlights how the teacher builds relationships with students in the classroom. “He kinda relates to us, and in classrooms, he tells us this match story, and tells us that if we need anything, we can always go to him,” said Pace.
Teacher Appreciation week gives students a chance to recognize these kinds of relationships and acknowledge the work teachers put into helping students.
“I really appreciate you, Alex. And I am grateful for everything you have helped me with,” Pace said.
The stories from Tuller and Pace show how teachers can influence students in different ways, both academically and personally. For some, it’s about support in future choices like college, while for others it’s about motivation and security in everyday life. Either way, it shows how important the relationship between teacher and student is, and how small actions can have a big impact throughout an entire school year.
