Mr. Whit here.
One of the bonuses of my role at SIS is getting to work with a lot of teachers across the elementary, middle, and high schools. Typically, I get to see them in action more than most. Through my alumni chat series, I also get to hear former SIS students talk about their time at SIS and how much the teachers have impacted their lives.
On this special teacher appreciation week, it’s clear just how incredible and valuable our teachers are.
I love witnessing the growth in teacher and student relationships from the beginning to the end of the year. Both teachers and students come to me throughout the year when they need help in some way. Sometimes they need advice, sometimes they just need to talk, but always I see an individual that wants to rise to the challenge school can often provide.
Our Pre-K, kindergarten, and elementary school teachers are likely the hardest working and most caring people on the island. They put so much time and thought into their lessons and how to deliver them effectively to our young students. They do not just teach them reading and math skills, but they also make sure they know how to be kind and respectful too.
Our middle school teachers guide students through a difficult three years. But our teachers lead these adolescents with care, support, and patience. By the time these students get to high school, they have not just survived the rigors of middle school academics, but they better discovered who they are personally and are beginning to form their own goals and dreams in life.
Our high school teachers are just as earnest, understanding just how far to push our students academically. Our students can write effectively, do advanced math, speak confidently in front of a group of people, and maneuver through worlds far away from Saipan with awe-inspiring ease. More than one alumni has remarked on how college was made a bit easier by their SIS high school experience.
In my four years at SIS, I’ve seen teachers and students power through super typhoons and a pandemic with perseverance and grace. I’ve witnessed young kids grow into strong young adults and young adults become wonderful and accomplished professionals. I have always felt confident that our teachers here are equipping our students with the tools they need to survive and be successful anywhere, and as a parent and counselor, I am deeply and eternally grateful.
Well done, SIS teachers. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.
