It is a tragic commentary on our educational system that the news is abundant with teacher horror stories. That is why it’s so important to highlight the ones who are good eggs, and who actually love children, want to give them a thirst for knowledge and discovery, and affirm children’s God-given identity and purpose. I credit really good teachers with changing the trajectory of my future, and I know so many others who have similar experiences.
Teachers who make a difference is the subject of this week’s Feel-Good Friday.
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Elementary school teachers are a particularly special breed. They have to manage burgeoning personalities and short attention spans while embedding knowledge and assisting their charges in making milestones. Every parent of a 5 to 10-year-old knows exactly what a challenge that can be, so it is wonderful that they show appreciation to the teachers in their children’s lives who go the extra mile.
In Cleveland, 10 teachers were honored with the the 2025 Excellence in Teaching Award, a partnership between Cleveland Metropolitan School District, the George Gund Foundation, the Cleveland Foundation, and the Cleveland Teachers Union to honor teachers who exemplify expertise, creativity, and innovation in their instruction. ABCNews5 Cleveland went to the kindergarten classroom of Melody Martinez as she was presented with her award.
The teachers were chosen after a nomination, endorsement, and review process.
I tagged along to Luis Muñoz Marín School in the city’s Tremont neighborhood as leaders surprised kindergarten teacher Ms. Melody Martinez.
It was an unforgettable way to start the day as district officials and others from the partner organizations entered Martinez’s classroom with balloons and announced she was one of 10 winners. Her students clapped in excitement.
CMSD CEO Dr. Warren Morgan explained the greatness others have seen in Martinez.
“You have created a wonderful environment that supports all students to grow and learn,” Morgan said. “You are a dynamic teacher who truly enjoys teaching to the fullest and no matter what you are a ray of hope and a model for others to emulate.”
Hugs, smiles, and a class photo—a snapshot of the difference a teacher can make.
Principal Samuel Roman told me Martinez has a heart of gold and makes learning fun. He said she reminds students that mistakes are okay as long as they learn from them.
What a lovely example of grace and heart. In a video included with the above-linked article, the CBS anchor asked Martinez what she loved most about her job, Martinez said:
Working with them every day. Making the difference in their lives, and molding them into becoming lifelong learners. I want them to understand that they matter, that they’re know that their important, that they’re smart and they’re able to do anything they set their mind to.
“Molding them into becoming lifelong learners.” That’s a way to set a child on a good path. Martinez is an inspiration.
More Feel-Good Friday Teachers: Feel-Good Friday: A Student’s Joyful Graduation Dance With One of the School’s Founders Goes Viral
Over in Idaho, third-grade teacher Talia Marley is also making a difference for her students, and the East Idaho community wanted her to be recognized for World Teacher Day on October 5. So, Marley received a special “Feel-Good Friday” surprise from Nate Eaton of East Idaho News.
From the attached video, here is a bit of the praise Marley was given.
I can’t say enough good things about Talia. She’s always putting others first and making a difference wherever she goes. This summer, she organized an adult kickball league and created plenty of opportunities for young people to get involved as well. As part of a proud military family she loves this country, and she doesn’t just believe in a bright future, she’s helping to shape it.
Marley received some flowers, chocolates, a gift certificate to dinner for her and her husband and another special surprise.
World Teacher Day is Oct. 5, and in honor of the special day, we decided to surprise and thank Talia Marley, a third-grade teacher at Summit Hills Elementary, for all she does as a teacher.
But we had another surprise up our sleeves for all of the students in Mrs. Marley’s class, thanks to the Mountain America Center and Disney on Ice.
The full interview and the reaction of the kids when they discover they were included in the gift is just pure joy.
WATCH:
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