Tuesdays 4 Teachers: A full-circle moment

This event listing is sponsored by Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.

McKenzie Docken, a third grade teacher at St. Lambert Elementary, knows the joy of Catholic education from both sides of the desk.

Having attended St. Lambert as a student herself, Docken now spends her days nurturing young minds in the same hallways where she once learned.

“It’s a full-circle moment, helping students grow in their faith, academics and social abilities,” she said.

Now in her sixth year teaching and as a parent of three daughters at St. Lambert Elementary, Docken has a unique perspective on the importance of supporting teachers. She speaks passionately about the Tuesdays 4 Teachers staff salary initiative, which aims to recognize and support educators like her.

Tuesdays 4 Teachers is a campaign dedicated to raising support for teacher and staff salary endowments. Through local dining partnerships, the initiative empowers the wider school community to invest in the people who bring excellence, faith and service every day in our classrooms. 

The effort runs every Tuesday at various restaurants from Nov. 4 through Dec. 2.

“Oftentimes, you think of teachers just showing up in the classroom and having their day planned out for them, and (others) don’t see what they’re doing behind the scenes or after school hours,” Docken explained. “Having the teacher staff salary initiative helps us feel validated in our mission and also respected and valued.”

Beyond acknowledgment, Docken notes that programs like this also help retain teachers who share the school’s mission and vision.

“It allows (teachers) opportunities to find resources to help teach the kids and meet them all at their different levels. And just really help them just do their job,” she said.

For her, supporting teachers is more than just a financial contribution — it’s a way to sustain the heart of Catholic education.

She encourages the community to join the effort. “If you feel called to join the effort, please go to our website to donate for our Tuesdays 4 Teachers. Thank you for your support of Catholic education. It truly means a lot to the teachers and the students.”

To find out more about the Tuesdays 4 Teachers campaign, visit ogknights.org/page/tuesdays-4-teachers.