Some teachers don’t get the summers off, teaching summer school or other programs.
That can make the difference between graduation or going to college for many students.
Mrs. Stephanie Niedermeyer is doing just that, dedicating her summer to teens who are to be first generation college students with low income backgrounds, making sure they’re set up for success.
“We eat lunch together and we talk about stuff it’s pretty fun,” student Madison Boettcher said. “We’re like best friends, I guess.”
A best friend, teacher, counselor and second mom, all ways Mrs. Niedermeyer is described by her students.
“She’s a really big role model for me, like she encourages me to do good,” Boettcher said.
Neidermeyer is keeping the students focused on their future and prepping them for college and beyond.
Now college bound and confident, she says her students determination is what gets her up in the morning.
“I guess just loving what I do and loving being around them and wanting them to feel like they have a place where they are secure,” Niedermeyer said. “Because if they don’t feel love and they don’t feel secure, there’s no way they’re going to learn from you.”
She’s a teacher making a huge impact and never asking for a thank you now overwhelmed by her student’s kind words.
“I feel speechless, I love my job, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else in my life,” she said.
Congratulations Mrs. Niedermeyer!
To nominate someone for Ann Marie’s All Stars email annmarie.laflamme@wxyz.com.