SUN PRAIRIE, Wis.—Teachers have shown what it means to be a hero in Wisconsin communities.
During Teacher Appreciation Week, people statewide are celebrating Wisconsin teachers who have gone above and beyond for their students.
Many of us have been fortunate to have a favorite teacher: The one that believed in us when we didn’t always believe in ourselves and who cared enough to push us to learn.
At Northside Elementary in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Mrs. Renee Bieri is that teacher for her kindergarten class.
Beiri has been teaching for 23 years. After all this time and a pandemic, Bieri said she still loves what she does.
“It’s for the kids. I love working with them every day. There are not that many jobs [where] you are a movie star when you walk in and they are so excited to see you,” Bieri said.
Bieri’s love for her students is reciprocated.
“The hugs and the love letters that are hanging on my wall. There is always something like that, that lets you know that you are making an impact,” she said.
During Teacher Appreciation Week, her students were eager to share what Mrs. Bieri means to them.
“My favorite thing about her is her personality,” said Esperanza.
“She teaches us a lot of new games and stuff,” said Forest.
“My teacher always helps me learn,” said Shyanna
"She lets us eat snacks," said Elijah.
Bieri said teamwork helped get her through challenging times over the last two years. She said she simply takes things day by day and does her best to adapt.
The appreciation she gets when she walks into a room full of smiling faces is all that she needs to keep going.