From Parochial School Student to Educator: Why Supporting Small School Communities Matters to Me

I can still remember my second-grade teacher at Saint Paul's School in Hingham, Massachusetts. Of all the teachers I've had throughout my education, she is one who has stayed with me. Her kindness, encouragement, and the impression she made on me helped inspire my decision to become a teacher. I graduated from Saint Paul's in 1990, but the influence of my time there has lasted far beyond those years.

Today, after more than 25 years in education, I often think about how much of an impact one teacher can have on a child's future. She probably never knew that the little girl sitting in her second-grade classroom would eventually follow in her footsteps.

But I did.

What Makes a School Community Special?

One of the things I appreciate about my parochial school experience is the sense of community that surrounded it. In smaller school environments, teachers often have opportunities to get to know students and their families over several years. School traditions, celebrations, and shared experiences can create connections that continue long after students graduate.

Of course, every school is different. But whether a school is private, parochial, or public, I believe those relationships are among the most valuable parts of education. As a teacher, I've come to understand just how much work goes into creating that sense of belonging.

It doesn't happen by accident. Behind every successful school event, family gathering, and classroom tradition are educators and families giving their time and energy to make those experiences possible.

The People Behind the School Traditions

When we think back on our elementary school years, we rarely remember how an event was organized. We remember the people. We remember the teachers who encouraged us, the classmates we celebrated with, and the traditions that made our school feel special. I remember my mom being one of two room parents for my class and how she did all of the organizing for hot lunch day and school events.

But now that I've spent so many years on the other side of the classroom, I recognize how much coordination happens behind the scenes. In many smaller schools, the same teachers, administrators, and parent volunteers take on multiple responsibilities throughout the year. Their willingness to do so is part of what makes these communities work, but their time is valuable, too. Finding simple ways to support that work matters.

Bringing My Experience Full Circle

When my husband and I began developing EduSignup, we weren't thinking only about technology. We were thinking about the people who would use it. We wanted to create something practical for educators and school communities, something that could make organizing everyday school activities a little easier. And while EduSignup was created for all types of schools, introducing it to private and parochial schools has a special meaning for me. My own journey as an educator began in one. There is something meaningful about the possibility of giving back, even in a small way, to the kinds of school communities that helped shape who I became.

A Small Way to Support the Teachers Who Make a Big Difference

I don't know if that teacher ever realized the influence she had on my life. I wish every teacher could see the difference they've made in the lives of their former students. Sometimes that impact becomes clear years later, when a former student becomes a teacher, chooses a career inspired by something learned in the classroom, or simply remembers an adult who made them feel valued.

For me, creating EduSignup is another chapter in a career that began with the encouragement of wonderful teachers. My hope is that it can be a useful resource for schools, including the private and parochial communities that hold such a special place in my heart. Because the teachers who make those lasting impressions deserve all the support we can give them.

If you're part of a private or parochial school community, I'd love to introduce you to EduSignup and hear about the traditions and activities that make your school special.

Give EduSignup a try →