Every teacher has those moments. The ones that stick with you, that remind you why you chose this path. During Teacher Appreciation Month, we’re spotlighting a few of those feel-good moments that remind us what makes educators truly extraordinary. These stories aren’t about awards or accolades. They’re about heart, connection, and the kind of magic only teachers can create.
1. From Second Grade Student to Second Grade Teacher - Melissa Adkins, Instructional Technologist
Melissa Adkins has been teaching for over 26 years, and throughout her career, she’s seen firsthand how the seeds planted in the classroom can grow in the most incredible ways.
Back when she was an elementary computer lab teacher for grades 1-4, Melissa remembers one particular second grader who fell in love with typing. This student, one of only two in Melissa’s career to surpass 60 words per minute, had a special spark for learning.
Fast forward to 2018, and Melissa, now an Instructional Technologist, found herself working with a familiar face: Kristen Steele, the same second grade student who had fallen in love with typing years earlier. Now a second grade teacher herself, Kristen became one of the educators Melissa provides professional learning and support to.
For the past seven years, Melissa and Kristen have partnered to champion a growth mindset, find opportunities for innovation, and implement new tools and strategies in Kristen’s classroom. One of their favorites? Breakout EDU.
“Breakout EDU allows us to take a chance, make mistakes, listen to others' perspectives, think again, persevere until we break out, and then celebrate our collective successes,” shared Melissa.
After a recent classroom visit from Melissa, Kristen wrote:
“Many years ago, this lady right here taught a little 2nd grade girl to fall in love with learning to type. Today she taught that same girl how to push HER OWN 2nd graders to do HARD things because they ARE CAPABLE! Thank you, Melissa Cooley Adkins, for pouring your expertise into me as both a student and now as an educator.”
This powerful full-circle moment is a reminder of how lasting a teacher’s influence can be.
2. A Classroom Culture Students Carry with Them - Lisa Moe, Sixth Grade Teacher
For Sixth Grade Teacher Lisa Moe, teaching isn’t just about curriculum. It’s about classroom culture. Her Scholars don’t just learn math, science, or reading. They also learn what it means to belong, to believe in themselves, and to be part of something bigger.
Recently Lisa saw just how lasting that impact is when one of her students from several years ago visited her classroom. Lisa writes:
“One of my forever Scholars from several years ago surprised me with a visit—and brought me a hand-painted gift and heartfelt card that completely stopped me in my tracks.
Every detail she painted held a memory:
- The Pyramid of Success
- Breakout EDU
- Micro:bit Educational Foundation
- Our class mantras: Yes You Can and Be Kind
- Daily sing-alongs to “We Will Rock You” before lunch
- And yes…Starbucks, because she remembered my go-to
Two years later, she still remembers the feelings, the culture, the connection.
Not the test scores.
Not the pacing guides.
Not the tech tools we used just to check a box.
But the way our classroom made her feel:
Seen. Valued. Inspired.
This is why classroom teachers need a seat at every table.
Because this is the work.
And this is what matters.”
It’s a beautiful reminder that classroom culture isn't just a buzzword. It’s a foundation that lasts far beyond the walls of a classroom.
3. One Small Step for Teaching, One Giant Leap for Engagement - Kara Merck, Education Technology Coach
Dressed head to toe in a full astronaut suit, Education Technology Coach Kara Merck wasn’t heading to space – she was heading to a second grade classroom!
The lesson centered around second grade science standards, and Kara went all in and made it unforgettable. She incorporated a Breakout EDU Kit-Based game with physical locks and challenges, immersing the students in a hands-on, interactive experience that kept them fully engaged. “I love not only the engagement piece of Breakout EDU, but also the rigor of topics and activities,” shared Kara.
It’s moments like these, where teachers go the extra mile to spark curiosity and excitement, that leave a lasting impression on students. By bringing creativity and passion to the lesson, Kara turned a standard science lesson into an out-of-this-world experience.
Unlock the Love of Learning in Your Classroom
If you’re looking to boost student engagement in your classroom, consider trying out curriculum-aligned Breakout EDU games. Get started with engaging puzzles and activities that encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Start your 14-day free trial today and unlock the love of learning with Breakout EDU!