04/11/2019
Check out this super fun session with Ms. Andrea, staff & students at Galtier Community School plus a beautiful message from a parent & friend.
"Ms. Andrea is passionate about building a stronger home and school relationships. When our family met Andrea, we knew that this was the school for our kiddo. I’m grateful Laura at Fotogiv was able to help us give back to Andrea, and continue to show Andrea how important she is in our community. She’s a brave, strong, kind, and amazing woman. She’s the teacher I wish every child could have to start their school career."
A note from Ms. Andrea...
"I enjoy working with adults as much as working with the kids. I feel that the stronger partnership the school and family are able to form the better it is for the young child. (Really, the better it is for everyone!)
I knew the first year I went back into the classroom, after my cancer had spread to my bones and was stage 4, that I was not going to be able to stay long. After each year I felt like there was no way I could teach another year! But, each year I also felt like I could not leave the classroom. I lasted a total of 5 years. My body was really, really tired. I got to the point where I just could not do anything after work, but rest. I was used to being sore and in some pain, but the cancer started growing and spreading more and more. Each appointment I was getting more bad news. I wanted to keep my normal life and not let cancer navigate my choices. The truth is, I wasn’t the teacher I knew I could be. The teacher I felt my kids deserved. Ethically, I didn’t feel like staying in the classroom was a good idea. So, I found my dream OUT OF THE CLASSROOM job. Just a few months into my new position, I had to leave work. My body felt like it was falling apart. With the cancer in my bones and several places in my abdomen. I had times when I struggled walking and I knew I had to prioritize my health over my work. My family is amazing, I was fortunate to know how it felt to be loved and supported. Part of knowing and feeling so loved and accepted as a child, I wanted to be sure that all kids had that at school. Especially as a kindergarten teacher. I see the kids and families on the first day of school. I would strive to make the transition easier on everyone. I hoped for kids to feel safe and loved at school, just like I did when I was their age- at home. “
You can read more, and support Andrea in her journey, here:https://www.gofundme.com/andrea039s-fundraising-page?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb_dn_cpgnstaticsmall_r&fbclid=IwAR0ZCw4AyBp_TTnjxqTmHCZyj7j2Ub8Vktat3NUcrzzkxRb3KkeMsGcwX0s
