Readers Say These Tewksbury Teachers Are Tops

TEWKSBURY, MA — We ask a lot of teachers, so it seems unfair that there is only one Teacher Appreciation week, celebrated during the first full week of May each year. To mark the occasion, we asked Tewksbury Patch readers to tell us about their favorite teachers. And what we quickly learned is that while the reading, writing and math lessons were important, the teachers whose names kept showing up on our list were the ones who taught life lessons, inspired their students or offered support through the tough times so many kids face growing up.

"I had a team that all helped me in the classroom and in my personal life," Tewksbury Patch reader Pamella Trudeau said. "I had a really tough freshman year and if it wasn't for these teachers being there for me while I was in school I don't know where I'd be today."

Tammy Metras had similar feelings about Mrs. Dias at Trahan Elementary. "She was amazing. She read us Charlotte's Web, was always there for us especially if something was going on at home," Metras said.

Kristina Cervizzi gave high marks to Michelle Sinacola-Dick. "She taught me real life lessons that I use every day in my two jobs! She is and was my favorite in high school!" Cervizzi wrote on the Tewksbury Patch Facebook page.

Parents notice great teachers as well. Audrey Kelly told us about Jessica O'Hara. "All three of my girls had her and they all loved school and did fabulous," Kelly said.

Who were (or are) your favorite Tewksbury teachers? Leave your stories in the comment section.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).