Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Mrs. Tessier was a 5th grade teacher to both my son and daughter. She had an amazing way of increasing their self esteem as well as teaching them to love writing. They continue to use the techniques that she taught them in their Jr. High and High School experiences today. I have talked to other parents and they whole heartedly agree about how influential she is in the lives of all her students. Just to illustrate, Bill Cosby was on TV one day encouraging youth to become all that they can and to achieve high goals, I thought, "I wish someone could influence my kids like that." That very day, my son came home and said, "Mrs. Tessier said that if I wanted, someday I could be the President of the U.S., do you really think I could?" Of course I agreed and how grateful I was to her for encouraging all children and instilling in them the desire to reach their highest potential and never sell themselves short. At the end of the year, they all sit in a circle and she gives them an award from her heart. It is a beautiful moment for each child as she expresses to them their fabulous qualities and their potential to achieve anything they put their mind to. She has since moved from West Elementary to Stansbury Park Elementary. We miss her but know that she continues to touch lives in ways unmeasured!
Stacy Smart
