Teacher Appreciation Week: Tori Lonsdale Inspires Students to Gain Academic, Social and Life Skills

ALTON - Tori Lonsdale hopes to inspire her students like her teachers did for her.

Lonsdale teaches kindergarten and first grade at Mark Twain School in the Alton Community Unit School District #11. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she’s expressing her gratitude for the people who pushed her to success and following in their footsteps as an educator.

“When I was younger, I felt very inspired and seen by my teachers and I always wanted to be like them,” she remembered. “As I have gotten older, I continue to have a desire to teach based on the relationships and experiences I have had with students in the school setting.”

Lonsdale loves working with students. Not only is it fulfilling, but it also brings her genuine joy to see them learn new concepts and develop social and life skills. She is a dedicated teacher who works hard to make sure her kids succeed in her classroom and beyond.

Like a lot of educators, Lonsdale has noticed a lack of support and respect for the profession. This can be challenging at times. As someone who loves the job as much as she does, it’s hard to remember that others outside of education don’t always see the value.

But when she is in her classroom and working with students, she is reminded of why this role is so important. Her dedication is unwavering, and she is determined to remain a positive, supportive presence for her kids.

Outside of school, Lonsdale enjoys reading, doing yoga, coloring, going on long walks, and spending time with her friends. She can’t wait to continue watching her students grow, both in her classroom and beyond. She will always be one of their loudest cheerleaders.

“Every student is unique and adds something different to the classroom,” she added. “I love building positive relationships with students and watching them gain knowledge, confidence, and independence.”

Thank you to Ms. Lonsdale for your work as a teacher!

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