The Teachers of Envision Team Members

Hearing heart-warming stories about how teachers have affected student and parent lives is one of our favorite parts of Teacher Appreciation Week (and really any week for that matter!).  Envision staff pays homage to teachers that have touched their lives when they themselves were their students and beyond. To these and all teachers, THANK YOU for all that you do each and every day!

In Honor of Mrs. Thomas

From Danielle T(homas), Education Program Manager, Envision

The teacher who touched my life is someone I have known my entire life and continues to inspire me every day.  She was my fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Thomas. If the name sounds familiar, it is because she is my mom. My fifth grade class was a combined honors class with an ESL class, but she treated everyone like they were the most special student in the class and gave everyone equal attention.  Since it was difficult to remember to call her Mrs. Thomas, everyone in the class called her ‘mom’ like me. When someone’s parent had to work late, she would bring them home with us so they had a home-cooked meal until their parent could pick them up. She made us think more critically and try harder in every subject.  Some of the ESL students were still learning English but by the end of the year, our entire class tested near the top of the state average. Anytime I see a former classmate, they always talk about the difference that my mom made in their life. My mother is now retired but her impact lives on in every student she has ever taught.

In Memory of Seniora Tio

From Matt Z., Senior Vice President of Operations, Envision

Sra. Tio was the only teacher that ever flat out told me to stop slacking and push myself harder. I would not have spent a summer month in Spain during high school without her encouragement, which led to a semester in Madrid in college. I wish I had a little more Spanish to show for 8 years of study and two trips but that is my fault, not hers.

In Honor of Mrs. Hart

From Stephanie K., Content & Social Marketing Manager, WorldStrides

I loved writing from the moment I figured out how to spell. All my teachers encouraged me, but Mrs. Hart actually showed me that I could take my writing outside of my journals and notebooks and share it with the world. In fifth grade, she helped me to send a short story into a local magazine, and I won an award!  I was so beguiled by the experience. You could write and get rewards?

Later that same year, she helped me with another contest, this time poetry, and I was published in a local newsletter as well.  I’ve been so inspired by her guidance and support. I have had a poem published in a book when I was 16, and now I work in content creation and social media, so I get to write everyday. While it has been a winding road to get to my current career, I’ve always written along the way and I have Mrs. Hart to thank for that!

In Memory of Ms. Gooch

From Anthony V., Education Program Manager, Envision

My guidance counselor knew that I was bored in the classroom, so when she heard about Envision programs, she thought it may be a good opportunity for me.  At the time I thought I knew what I wanted to do, so I figured I would try one of their summer programs. After the first summer, I sat down with her and talked about my experience. When I ruled out the first career field that I thought I was interested in, she helped me raise funds to try a different program/field. Needless to say, I ruled the second field out too.  Despite that, I gained other valuable skills while attending the programs. She then helped me through the college application process and helped me capitalize on my Envision experiences and what I gained from attending. After college, I found myself at a crossroads with my career path, and after meeting with her and going over several options, that day I received an email to come and work for Envision seasonally.  Now, I work for the company full time and couldn’t be happier to impact other students who are like I was back then!

I couldn’t thank my guidance counselor enough for really taking the time to care for and guide me to where I am today!

In Honor of Mrs. Tabellario

From Kaley L., Marketing Manager, Envision

When I was in 4th grade (and, lucky for me, 5th grade, as well!) I was fortunate enough to end up in Mrs. Tabellario’s class. Everyone knew that when you got Mrs. Tab for a teacher, you were in for a good year! Mrs. Tab brought learning to life—integrating fun and hands-on activities into everything we did. Whether it was coming to school dressed up in traditional clothing for Renaissance Day, studying Ancient Egypt while crafting gigantic mummies, or singing and dancing in her annual play as we learned about the American Revolution, there was never a dull day in her classroom.  

While Mrs. Tab immediately became, and remained, my favorite teacher, I don’t think I really realized just how much of an impact those years had on me, and my love for learning, until much later. I also believe the reason I gravitated to Envision was because of how much I truly believe in the hands-on, creative method of learning that she introduced me to way back when. I now realize just how above and beyond she went for us each and every day, and how much love and effort she put into everything she did and every one of her students, and I just can’t say thank you enough. The lessons she taught me have stayed with me to this day…and I still know almost every word to “Let George Do It.” 😊