It’s wonderful to hear from former staff. Thank you, Ms. Gaines, for taking the time to write me and share your thoughts — and thank you for the contribution you made at SA and are now making in Tennessee.
Hi Eva,
My name is Molly (formerly Choate) Gaines, and I had the privilege of teaching at SA Bronx 1 for the past 3 years. Last summer I moved back to Nashville to be closer to my family. I first taught in a Turn-Around DOE school for 2 months and am now back in a charter.
Since moving back, I am continually reminded of how thankful I am for Success and you.
Here are things that I am thankful to you for on a daily basis.
1. Thank you for providing me with some of the most talented educators from whom I learned – Jess Sie, Michele Caracappa, Liz Vandlik, Michelle Cooper, etc.
2. Thank you for showing me the importance of state testing. It does matter. It is powerful.
3. Thank you for teaching me to balance joy and rigor in my classroom.
4. Most importantly, thank you for proving that any kid can succeed. Through your belief in kids in NYC, kids around the nation’s lives are drastically changing for the better.
I know that you probably receive emails like this all the time. I just thought you should know what a difference you have made in my life. I would not be the same teacher or woman if it weren’t for Success.
Thank you.
