In a heartwarming viral video, educators express just how special each student is, reminding us why teaching can be such a rewarding profession. So grab your tissues—you’ll need them as you witness the touching moments when teachers from Maple Grove High School in Kansas City, Missouri, share heartfelt messages with their students.
In a bid to infuse positivity into the students’ week, a dedicated group of teachers initiated a “Gratitude Project” where they took the time to acknowledge the unique qualities of each student. “You motivate me to be a better teacher, and your presence makes me excited to come to school every day,” one teacher, Lisa Thompson, tells her student at the start of the video.
Thompson, who coordinates the school’s support programs for at-risk students, explained that her inspiration came from a previous initiative where students wrote appreciation letters to their teachers. “Last year, we had students send gratitude letters to us, so I thought, why not switch it up and let them know how valued they are?” Thompson shared with Good Morning America. “We often feel this way, but students may not realize it.”
When students were called out of class, their initial reaction was anxiety, fearing they’d done something wrong. “At first, they thought they were in trouble,” Thompson recalled. “They were worried they hadn’t submitted an assignment or something similar, and we had to reassure them, ‘No, no, just stay here.’” She highlighted the tendency for teacher-student interactions to be negative, which can be disheartening. “No matter their behavior, students often assume they are in trouble, and that needs to change.”
Instead of discipline, these students received the affirmation they desperately needed. Their expressions transitioned from apprehension to surprise, and for many, tears of joy flowed as their teachers shared their appreciation.
The Gratitude Project took about three weeks to complete, but the impact was undeniable. “The response was overwhelmingly positive. Teachers reported feeling uplifted after the experience,” Thompson said. “Some even approached me days later, saying, ‘I’m having a rough day. Let’s do another video.’” Talk about an emotional journey!
The staff at Maple Grove High School decided to share the video online, hoping to inspire other educators to foster meaningful connections with their students. With nearly 200,000 shares on social media, it’s clear the message is resonating. “The key takeaway is the importance of positivity,” Thompson emphasized. “A simple smile or a compliment can make a world of difference.”
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In summary, the Gratitude Project at Maple Grove High School shines a light on the power of positivity in education. By taking the time to affirm and appreciate students, teachers are not only enriching their lives but also creating a nurturing school environment where students feel valued and inspired.
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