According to Principal Morrison, “When most schools were limiting music access during the pandemic she [Grace Chris] dug into to figure out how to teach everything from twenty students in general music to over 50 in a chorus. She created a culture of belonging that continues to grow into a solid music program, and now has brought forth the school's first Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA). If that wasn't enough, she identified a need for students to have a platform to show their talents and develop social skills through our very popular coffee houses. Like the classroom, these coffee houses show how her students are courageous, building their self-esteem, and willing to take risks.” 

Her colleague, Rachel, and principal, Jennifer, go on to say, “Melissa routinely

checks in with her students to gain an understanding of their perspectives and adjusts her curriculum to reflect their voices. Melissa is constantly evaluating her curriculum to reduce barriers and provide her students with windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors, ensuring that students have opportunities to see themselves, see others, and develop empathy through their work in her classroom. Melissa’s positive energy and joy for teaching and learning makes a daily impact on all of her middle level colleagues as well.” What broad spectrum of learning that Melissa affects—from motivating students via their personal interests and having such a positive impact on her colleagues. 

Allan Miller notes in describing Andrew’s effects on students, “‘Relationships first’ - as we know middle level students are unique, and not all educators have the passion to connect with them in all their quirkiness, emotions, and energy. But it’s clear from being online or in-person with Andrew that he ‘gets’ them and that he is about connecting with them. Students show up to his office hours just to tell jokes, to share about their new dog or come to be part of the online Chess Club he started just because they enjoy being around him.”