Teacher of the Year

There's a lot of talk about teachers these days.  Many of my friends are teachers so I know there are really great ones out there (yes, all my friends who teach are awesome at it--not my bias, just my good luck with having fabulous friends).  And many of my friends have had distressing experiences with their children's teachers, so I know there are some who might be better suited for something else.
Today, I'd like to talk about a really great public school teacher.  I think we should celebrate them more often.  I can't imagine the sort of challenge is must be to deal with a class of students with various backgrounds, unknown home lives and distinctive learning styles.  Add to that the general challenge of dealing with any 5 or 6 year old child, much less nearly 20 of them--I am not sure why anyone wants to do it other than they are called.
I learned a little while ago that E's kindergarten teacher was her school's teacher of the year.  I wasn't surprised.  I've seen this teacher in action, she really has a handle on her class while maintaining the sweetest southern disposition you've ever seen.  She doesn't appear to play favorites and her students all appear to adore her.  And she definitely seems to love her work.
E loves her so much she'll sometimes say her teacher's name when she means 'mom' and vice versa.  But E's affection for her may not be all that unique.  E loves learning and has always been fond of her teachers.  Still, I think there's something extra special about Mrs. Dutton.
I have heard great things about all the kindergarten teachers at Walter Jackson Elementary School.  So what is it that makes Mrs. Dutton "Teacher of the Year" caliber?  Well, I believe it's her heart.
She really seems to care deeply about the children in her class.  She's been wonderful about communicating with me about E's good and bad moments in class.  She's not just concerned with her learning but her character development as well--she wants her students to become educated AND good people.  She also has shown she is concerned with each child having a good experience at school--she doesn't want them to feel singled out or left out for anything they cannot help.
I've mentioned on occasion that my E has a peanut allergy.  She's not a the point of severe reactions but we'd like to keep it that way--especially since you often don't know they've reached that point until they do.  So we a careful with what she eats.  E is aware of the risk, asks questions when something is a new food and is very good at accepting when food may not be safe.  Naturally, we informed the school and specifically, told her teacher about this.
Mrs. Dutton has been thoughtful about contacting me if there is any suspect food someone has brought for snack and has even gone so far as to keep a stash of vetted chocolate bars for E to have in lieu of a potentially nutty option.
And today, I got this email from her:
Hello!  E made a 100 on her sight word test!!!  We are going to have ice cream with all the fixings.  Is there a specific type of ice cream she can have and what fixings (caramel, chocolate syrups, cherries, ready whip cream, etc.) can she have.  I can give her skittles and sprinkles if I need to.  I already have that.  I just want to make sure her treat is just as good as the rest!  Thanks so much!!
It's that last bit, "I just want to make sure her treat is just as good as the rest!" that makes Mrs. Dutton so special.  To me, it's the difference between a good teacher and a great teacher.  Putting out that kind of care, attention and love has got to be exhausting.  I am so glad she was recognized for being willing to give that much of herself, for being truly great!

And it doesn't hurt her street cred that this is what my daughter drew for me yesterday: