Teacher Appreciation Week runs May 3 to 7 in 2021, with May 4 reserved for Teacher Appreciation Day. Whether your preferred means of showing gratitude to your favorite teacher(s) is a piece of fruit, flowers, candy, a card, a gift card or some other small gift, it’s important to recognize the critical contributions teachers make to young lives across our communities.
Longstanding Believers in the Power of Education
GVEC is a long-time supporter of local education. Examples include our partnership with local school districts to build affordable high-speed internet access through the FCC’s E-Rate program. We’ve also supported local schools and youth programs through our Power Up™ grant program, and through the following initiatives:
- Louie the Lightening Bug Educational Presentations
- Summer Reading Program
- Annual Presentations for AG Days at the Big Red Barn
- Career Day Presentations
- PowerTown Presentations
- High School Scholarships
Empowering Lives Across Local Communities
We believe that teaching is about empowering young lives, and that falls perfectly in line with GVEC’s cooperative values. This year, in recognition of National Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re shining a spotlight on a local teacher right here in the Guadalupe Valley.
A La Vernia Educator Finds Her ‘Happy Place’
Mistelle Burg teaches art to kindergarteners and 1st and 2nd graders at La Vernia Primary School. She’s been an Art teacher for the last four years but taught as a regular 1st and 2nd grade teacher for 10 years before that.
“I have definitely found my ‘happy place,’” she tells us.
With that in mind, we thought it would be interesting to dig a little deeper into Mistelle’s career—to examine what drives teachers to pursue this often underappreciated field and to explore the profession a bit from an insider prospective.
Our Chat with Mrs. Burg
After some consideration, we decided it best to let Mistelle tell us a little about life as a Guadalupe Valley teacher in her own words. In the following interview, our questions are in bolded text. Mrs. Burg’s answers follow in italicized font.
1. What led you to become a teacher?
I’ve always loved children and learning ever since I was a young adult. From babysitting and volunteering to work with kiddos through Special Olympics, to helping with youth activities and art camps, my world has always revolved around children. So, it was a no-brainer that I was being led to continue this path. I knew early on in high school I wanted to be a teacher. I had many wonderful teachers influence me over the years, and I wanted to be that same positive inspiration to other kiddos.
2. What is your favorite part of being a teacher?
My favorite part is the connections I build with students. Most kids love coming to art—it’s one of their favorite specials. On the other side, though, are the kiddos who don’t enjoy school; maybe it’s because of academic struggles—art is their escape, their non-academic safe place where they get to shine and feel proud, which in turn is their drive to want to come to school. That’s why I do what I do—to nurture the lovers of art and to reach what may seem like the unreachable.
There’s a quote by one of my favorite art teachers—Cassie Stephens—that perfectly sums up why I love what I do: “I am here to help you become the masterpiece that I know you are!” Teaching is so much more than academics, and I’ve always believed that if your students know you care and they feel safe and loved, the rest will fall into place.
3. What would you like people to know about the teaching profession they probably don’t know?
It’s one of the hardest but most rewarding and satisfying jobs in the world. I’m making a difference in their [students’] lives, just like they’re making one in mine.
4. In your experience, what’s the biggest misconception people have about teachers?
Many people think we don’t work during the summers—LOL. As a teacher, I’m constantly planning, attending workshops, reading, researching, creating new lessons to perfect my craft and reach all my students. We are lifelong learners ourselves, and just because it’s summer it doesn’t mean we just stop being teachers. We are always seeking to grow in our profession and for what’s best for our students.
5. What is your proudest accomplishment as a teacher?
I can’t say there’s one big thing that comes to mind. For me, it’s the little things—each day bringing its own accomplishments and successes and feel-good moments, reminding me I’m right where I’m supposed to be. From helping wipe away someone’s tears and bringing a smile to their face; giving extra hugs they may need to get through the day; getting to be their biggest cheerleader and encouraging them to take risks so they can find their own artistic expression; sharing in their joy when they’re proud of their work; the growth I see from the beginning of the year to the end and knowing I played a part in that journey; or when kiddos tell me they want to be an art teacher like me; the sweet notes they leave me about how much they enjoy art—all these things and so many more are the accomplishments I cherish on a daily basis.
6. If there was one thing you could change about your career or do over, what might it be?
Well, honestly, probably the pay—LOL—but obviously teachers don’t get into teaching for the money!
7. How much of your own salary would you estimate you spend each year for your classroom and students?
When I was a classroom teacher, it was a lot. My first couple years, it was over $1,000. If it wasn’t for the support of my family, I would have started with very little. I was very fortunate to have parents and a grandma who were able to help me establish my classroom with things I needed to make it a place kiddos wanted to be.
8. What advice might you offer a first-year teacher? How about a student thinking about becoming a teacher?
A veteran teacher once told me, “Fake it ‘til you make it.” You aren’t going to have all the answers or be perfect first starting out. All the stuff you learned in college theoretically sounds great on paper, but isn’t always practical. Give yourself grace—“Fake it ‘til you make it,” and always do what’s best practice for your kiddos. Before you know it, you’ll find your way in the world of education and be ROCKING IT!!
