Education is the key to success in life, and teachers make a lasting impact in the lives of their students. ~ Solomon Ortiz
Over the years I’ve had remarkable and inspiring teachings.. rather it was from my countless years of schooling or from people I’ve met in between nevertheless I’ve looked up to and admire them all the same.
When it comes to my school teachers some names I’ll always remember for various reasons and for others, they will flee from my mind as the years go by. But one name I can guarantee you will never leave my mind and that name is Stacey Noreika.
Mrs. Noreika has been my secret keeper, my go-to whenever I needed to talk to someone about anything, my safe place, my person. During my 4 years at Fitch High I knew I could always rely on one teacher to see past my facade and see the real me, see who I really was.. A girl trying to find her way in this crazy world. Don’t get me wrong I gave Mrs. Noreika plenty of hard times during my 4 years but she never wavered, never gave up on me or any of her students. Its because of this one woman’s impact that she’s had on me that I took a serious hard look into becoming a teacher myself. Mrs. Noreika has so much heart, dedication, patience, courage, passion, love, drive.. I could go on.. for her students and for her joy as a teacher that she’s helped not only me but countless others see their potential for a great life!
So as Teachers Appreciation Week comes to an end I hope everyone should take the time to thank their teachers, not just on Teachers Appreciation Week but everyday. They are shaping the lives of this nations next generation!
My Journey With CRPS/RSD 
Margaret, I sympathise with your experince of CPRS. I too developed this condition 4 months ago after fracturing my foot. I am a passionate Grade 4 teacher, and sadly have only taught my wonderful 24 students for 5 weeks this year due to the fracture. I have kept a close connection with my class through emailing a ‘picture book’ story weekly to them based on my journey. Have sent them 10 parts. My book is called ‘A Day with a Difference.’ This has kept me sane during my recovery. They love it and can’t wait for the ‘next part.’
I have been devasted by the onset of CPRS as you can well imagine, considering what you have been through from this painful and debilitating disease. You seem to have come to an acceptance of your condition. I have not yet reached this stage. After good days and nights, I’m convinced I’m healed and it’s all over. And then… it all comes back with a vengeance! Pain, pins and needles, burning, icy cold toes, redness, shiny skin on leg, stiffness, limping….
A patient I met at the hospital asked me if I had sufffered stroke. When I said no and why does he ask, he said because I walk funny- just like a stroke victim 😦
My fracture healed very well many weeks ago. MRI proved this. Doctors and physiotherapists were baffled as to why I still couldn’t walk and put weight on my left foot.
My physiotherapist diagnosed CPRS. The specialists confirmed it.
This has delayed my return to school unfortunately.
Spend my days having therapy:
PT; hydrotherapy; acupuncture; osteopathy. Have seen 3 PTs; 3 orthopaedic surgeons; acupuncturist; osteopath and 2 GPs.
It all works at times and other times it doesn’t. Some days are better than others.
Hear what you are saying about teachers who make an impact.
Margaret, you mention this teacher’s personal qualities and strengths that made her an unforgettable teacher and mentor that had such a positive impact on her students’ lives…
I believe that any teacher can teach curriculum. It’s about the teacher behind the curriculum that counts.
You remember her personal qualities:
heart, passion, kindness.
Yes it’s all about students feeling the genuine concern for their well being that counts. Feeling that they matter. Feeling their teacher truly cares.
I am desperate to return to school in 2 weeks – the start of our second semester. My kids know I am coming back and we all await my return and connecting once again with great excitement. Fortunately, my school have asked the relief teacher (who has replaced me since March) to remain on to support me for the first 3 weeks of the new term. I will teach half day for week 1 and build up slowly from there. Need to have therapy in the afternoons. Find I tire easily and have little energy. Like you, pre CPRS I was very active and energetic- table tennis champ at school and could stand on my head forever….
Margaret, thank you for sharing your blog. I hope that by now your CPRS is much bettter or that you are managing it better. Your mum sounds like she’s been a rock of strength for you. My husband and children and friend have also been wonderful support.
However I am tired of complaining and feeling like a ‘disabled’ person sometimes.
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Desiree,
Thank you for sharing your journey with me! Quick question where do you live? Here in the States we are on Summer Break.
I love that idea you’ve come up with for your students to be involved with your recovery. It’s important that you keep your mind active and not always think about the pain you’re going through. I would love to see your book become published! It would be a great way for people to help kids understand what’s going on without causing them anxiety and fear.
I’ve been dealing with this for 3 years now. I believe that creating this blog has helped me sort out how I’m feeling. I’ve done 75-80 PT appointments the first year I was diagnosed and they helped me walk again!
I have had several teachers that have impacted my life but this teacher I’ll always remember for her ability to connect to her students in different ways. She was like a mom but at school, someone I could always go to and just tell her what’s going on.
A teacher shapes the lives of the future and rarely get a thank you for doing so!
So thank you for teaching and for inspiring your students!
I’m so glad that you have support in your family and friends! And yes, my mom has been my constant and my advocate! I don’t know what I would do without her!
I already had a learning disability before all this happened so I was already used to being “disabled” but I don’t think I’ll able to fully accept this type of “disabled” because I still have that athlete mindset and it’s hard to understand that I won’t be able to do what I used to do. But I know I’ll find something that I’ll be able to do and love!
Please let me know how everything goes when you return to class!
Much support,
Margaret
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Hi Margaret,
Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I live in Melbourne Australia.
Please send me your email address – would love to send you my story. There are 10 parts to date. Not sure if you would like me to send all 10 – easy reading in picture book/story form. Please let me know.
Warm regards,
Desiree
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I happened to be on my phone when I saw your message 🙂
I have a tap on here with my contact information that includes my email.
I figured you lived in either Australia or New Zealand because of how the seasons are.
Send me the first 2 then I’ll let you know if I want the rest.
Much support,
Margaret
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Excuse my ignorance Margaret, but can’t see the tap you mention re your email address 🙄 Think being away from teaching for so long has affected my brain 😜
Please advise.
Thanks,
Desiree
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It’s under menu and its Contact Me
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I got your email 😉
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