To the Teacher Who Saw It First

By Superintendent Dr. James Driscoll

Recently, I had the opportunity to reconnect with my eighth grade science teacher, Sue Pretty, who traveled all the way from Michigan to visit. And I’ll be honest, I felt like a 13-year-old kid again seeing a celebrity. She was just an awesome lady for me. 

But more than that, she was someone who saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself. When I needed it most, she was there with support, with structure, and with genuine care. I think every kid needs that kind of person in their life. I know I did.

She encouraged me to join student council. At the time, I was a shy kid — very soft-spoken, and in a lot of ways, I still am. Leadership wasn’t something I saw for myself. But she did. And I can say this with complete honesty: I’m in a leadership position today because of that encouragement and because she saw something in me that I never thought I could be.

What stands out to me now isn’t the content she taught. I don’t remember the science lessons. But I remember her caring. I remember her showing up: going to games, making sure I felt supported, always being there, always offering something positive. She pushed me to be better, not just as a student, but as a person.

That’s what great teachers do.

Seeing her again brought all of that back. She even brought me a Woodhaven Warriors shirt and tracked down photos from my middle school and high school years — pictures I hadn’t seen in decades. Who does that?

Great teachers do.

Middle school is such a formative time. You’re still figuring out who you are. You’re growing physically, emotionally, personally. You’re becoming the person you’re going to be. And somehow, she could see where I was headed before I could.

I wish every student could have someone like Mrs. Pretty in their life. I truly do. Because we need more people like her. Our students need more people like her — teachers who care deeply about their students, about their well-being, and about helping them become better humans.

As we recognize Teacher Appreciation Week, I’ve been thinking a lot about the educators who shape lives in ways that don’t always show up on a test or a report card. Their impact is quieter, but it’s lasting. I’m truly indebted to her. And I know I’m not alone.

To all of our teachers: thank you for seeing the potential in your students even when they can’t yet see it in themselves. It makes more of a difference than you may ever know.