Saying thanks to teachers — this Tuesday and every day

This paid piece is sponsored by Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.

There are many schools where Rachael Payne could be teaching English.

And there are other schools where she already has.

But none compares to where she teaches today.

“My co-workers feel like my own family members. My students feel like my kids. And that’s not something I’ve experienced at other schools that I’ve worked at,” said Payne, who teaches English at O’Gorman Junior High.

“I think that’s exclusive to the Bishop O’Gorman legacy, that at the end of the day we support like a family.”

She has been part of the O’Gorman family since she was a student herself, a graduate of O’Gorman High School.

Now, as a teacher, she and her colleagues feel the support of the entire O’Gorman community.

That has been especially true this November, when Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools has highlighted its amazing teachers throughout the month as part of its Tuesday for Teachers campaign.

It’s about saying thank you in many ways, including raising funds to support teachers’ salaries and highlighting O’Gorman’s outstanding teachers in short videos.

“Any teacher will tell you that teaching is 100 percent a calling. None of us got into it for fame or fortune,” Payne said. “(This effort) really makes a difference, and we always notice and are so grateful. Great schools start with great teachers. They feel secure, they feel appreciated, they feel valued. That is the crux of a great school system.”

Payne is one of several teachers recognized by the system for being a high-performing educator who goes above and beyond for her students and their families.

While their reasons for entering the profession vary, they all bring a passion for their work.

“I landed on a teaching career because I wanted to be a positive influence on others. I want to help shape the future, and I believe that positively impacting our children is the way to do this. I know that this is where I am supposed to be, and each day I get to spend with my students just reinforces (my) commitment,” said Sophia Hermanson, an English teacher at O’Gorman High School.

“My most rewarding moments come when I have students who come in as seniors and tell me how much of an impact my class has had on them. To know that they are still thinking about the impact of my sophomore English class when they are moving into their collegiate experience reassures me that I am following the right path.”

No matter how hard teaching can be, the small moments make it all worth it, said Teresa Zimmer, a third grade teacher at St. Michael Elementary.

“One of the best parts of being a teacher is when you can celebrate the successes of the student. It’s especially powerful when that success comes from their grit, determination and their courage to succeed,” she said. “And watching your students spread their wings. Each year, they come to you, and you watch them learn, grow. And when they come back as adults and share memories with you about what they remember about third grade, it makes it all worth it.”

Say thanks today

Today is the perfect time to thank a teacher! It’s the final Tuesday for Teachers day, and to continue saying thanks, Zoup is offering to donate 100 percent of its proceeds to the campaign. Warm up with a bowl of soup at 2802 W. 41st St., and click here to make a donation to Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools teachers.