Lyn G.

Oasis Elementary - Peoria Unified School Dist.

I am not sure if 360 words would ever be sufficient in explaining why Lyn Gustafson deserves to be AT LEAST teacher of the week but more like teacher of the DECADE. She has what so many lack in this profession. HEART. Her career as a teacher is driven by he LOVE of teaching and the betterment of her students' lives. A teacher's salary is minimal but she regularly comes out of pocket for supplies, teaching tools and even something to eat at times for a hungry child. Lyn was my son Dennis's teacher in 2nd grade last year and I asked to have her teach my daughter Gracie this year. Dennis learns things quickly and easily and was top of his class. Because of this, Lyn allowed him to be a mentor to other students that were struggling as long as it did not detract from his own work. It never did and it taught him valuable lessons about helping others and understanding that everyone is different and some people need more help than others. My Gracie is one of those kids that struggles. She has difficulty learning things at the same pace as other children her own age, but having Lyn as a teacher gives me the reassurance that Gracie will never be left behind or lost in the shuffle. Lyn gives so much of herself, her time and her money to ensure that EVERY child has an equal chance at understanding and learning. She is kind and loving to each of her students. She provides a safe and nurturing learning environment and strongly promotes anti-bullying measures. She teaches the children to respect one another and most importantly themselves. She also tries to encourage all parents to play a larger part in their child's education with regular contact with us. With so much negativity and upset in our society today, it is a blessing to have someone like Lyn bringing hope and light into the lives of children. I believe teachers like her deserve special recognition. I hope you think so too.

Signed,
Peggy Zanowick