Teacher shows special interest in his students

To the editor:

I just sent a letter to my son's principal at Clippard Elementary School tooting the horn of his classroom teacher, Shawn Brooks. During a time when many educators are grumbling about cuts and readjustments, here a teacher (among many, I am sure) who deserves some limelight. Here are excerpts from my letter:

I have to let you know what an impact Mr. Brooks has had on Jake this year. Jake absolutely loves school this year. As soon as a long weekend starts, he is asking, "When do we go back?" Christmas break couldn't have been over soon enough for him this year.

Jake came home a few weeks ago saying Mr. Brooks was coming to his basketball game. I explained to him that teachers are busy and couldn't come to the functions of all of his students. But Mr. Brooks went above and beyond what I expect from a teacher. I was shocked when I saw him walk into the gym. At 9 o'clock on a Saturday morning he was taking time out of his personal life to make my son's day.

The next week, Jake began again saying, "Mr. Brooks is coming to my game." Again my pleasure overwhelmed me as I saw him walk in the following Saturday morning. I haven't seen my son smile so big in a long time.

The dedication and caring nature shown by this professional has impressed everyone in my family. What a great Kinder Award candidate he will make.

LESLIE WRIGHT-ESSNER

Cape Girardeau