A Letter to Her Students

In the city of Chicago, teachers are responsible for teaching a diverse student population and preparing them for the future in educational and career success. They are dedicated to their students and making positive impacts on each individual student. A great Chicago teacher not only teaches but advocates for their students, inspires, motivates, and sees them at their best selves.

A good teacher plays an essential role in the growth and success of students because they

  • Inspiring and motivating
  • ignite a passion
  • a positive role model for their students by demonstrating integrity, patience, and perseverance.
  • Provides support and encouragement and helps students overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

Claudette Radford taught students on the south side of Chicago for over 25 years, mentoring and guiding students to success. Following her heart, she knew teaching was her calling, which showed throughout the years she was in the classroom with her students. To this day Ms, Radford goes out of her way to show the students she has taught; she always and still cares for them by writing,

A Letter to Her Students

Dear Students,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits and you’re having a super day. Firstly, I want you to know that you are important, that life matters, and that you are awesome! As you navigate through your life’s journey, you will or have faced many challenges. You may feel overwhelmed by the workload, struggles to move forward, or experience setbacks. It is important to remember these challenges are a part of the living process. Seek help from your family, friends, and even former educators. Remember that it is okay to make mistakes and that every failure is an opportunity to grow and become better.

I hope more than anything that I’m the teacher that prepared your mind and heart and who has helped you to deal with rejection with grace. I hope you know that I cared and that I also prepared you for what was ahead and made your transition to the next grade easier for you, but I wanted to be the teacher who was firm but kind and caring and the role model you needed.

Lastly, I want to emphasize the importance of taking care of your health, physically and mentally. Get enough exercise, sleep, and seek help if you are struggling. Remember that self-care is not selfish; take care of yourself to do your best.

In conclusion, I’ll think of you succeeding where you’re at or will be. I’ll think about how you’ve grown and how you’ll continue to do so. I’ll not only think of how much you’ve learned in your life but also how much I learned from you as we went on the journey together. I only hope I was the role model you needed. Keep striving for excellence, never give up on your dreams, and continue to enjoy the journey. Your future is bright, and with hard work, determination, and a positive attitude, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Sincerely,

Ms. Radford

Ms. Radford shows what an impact one teacher can have on students, not only for the benefit of their education but the development of their futures and the roles they will play in the Chicago community. Great, caring, motivated teachers need not only in the city of Chicago but everywhere.

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Response

  1. Kay McKenzie Avatar

    Latoya HiggenbottomA year ago · 1 Like

    Ms. Radford, it’s so much I can say but I’ll keep it short & simple. You know you were one of the best teachers that taught at Thomas Scanlan Elementary School!!!
    I love you & may God continue to keep you and your love ones. Kay you are a blessing to your mom. She taught us the whole 9 months while pregnant with you. Now that’s dedication. Kay this is so beautiful. Continue to give your mom her flowers.

    Arlether Blakney A year ago · 1 Like

    Wow! Shika your words were beautiful. Mrs. Radford is truly a gem and treasure that deserves every flower in the flower shop. Often times I reflect on my life and all I ever say is “man what a time we had in elementary school”. I was a transfer student from a school that was the total opposite of my neighborhood school, but life happened and I had to relocate to my local school. While my first year at a new school was tough it took a lot of getting use to but, nevertheless I excelled and was moved from a “normal” class to a “gifted” my 7th grade year and Mrs. Radford would be my teacher. I had heard the gossip and just knew she was going to handle me, but she was the true definition of a no nonsense type of person. She was small, but mighty ( kinda like me) and she always wanted us to excel and shine no matter the circumstance. I enjoyed and appreciate EVERY LIFE LESSON she instilled in us.. For that I’m forever grateful.. Life has taught us all some things and I can BRAG and say I was equipped for some of the things because of THIS WOMAN.. I’ve since then graduated college and work for well know Dialysis Company providing excellent care for end stage renal care. I always relate something back to Mrs. Radford at work and at home with my children especially my oldest kid whom I had as a teenager myself she’s 16 but I’m extremely glad that I had Mrs. Radford to mold me to be able to pour into my child and her friends.. In closing, I’ll leave with this Proverbs 31:10 “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. MRS. RADFORD I LOVE YOU ❤️ AND THANKS FOR GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECOGNIZE YOUR MOM KAY..

    Shika Gaines A year ago · 1 Like

    Kay! You girl! This article is GOOD Tea. I see you young lady. 

    Miss Radford, my heart is filled with joy & yet some sorrow. About 3 years ago my mental health had declined. I wasn’t well. You prepared me for my career and academia. However, the mental decline I took was only something God can heal. Miss Radford, as a young black girl on the southside of Chicago you were God’s grace in human form. Claudette Radford, your maternal instinct & superior education strategies saved my life. I can only imagine the rumors you heard about Shika Gaines before I walked into your class. Miss Radford what you did for my esteem was so extraordinary I have carried you throughout my studies. I have completed My masters Studies in professional counseling. I’ve taught as a lead teacher in Arizona and Texas…. At 32 I have switched my career 3 times. One thing Miss Radford taught me early on is that people lie… numbers don’t. You my queen made me a mathematician & word smith. Miss Radford I do not say this to brag or boast I am the product of your master teaching. At 32, a mother who is single with a 5 year old I am earning above the average family income…. By MYSELF. I went on to do great things in class rooms & board rooms. I took a break from education to dive in to career supports. As a human service professional and teacher for life I want you to know… you.. are… powerful. I often times reminisce with Ronald Jackson who is currently serving time in illinois department corrections about how you were so Amazing. Ronald is flourshing. He is a loving individual. Although, he is behind bars his mind & imagination runs free. He is currently working on his bachelors. He’a formulating a pedagogy that isn’t based off of rubrics; yet, focused on positive reinforcement. Speaking of Ronald that brings me to this NaTonja is a double master degree holder… Who just so happened to be a mental health licensed clinician. Something tells me your love for literature gave you some sort of discernment about the future that your students would lead. Because Na Na, my sweet, gentle sister has always been my social worker. Thank you for giving me my best friend. She’s always stepped into help save my life. Now, she does it for hundreds as school social worker. My girl Delorean is still as cool as the other side of the pillow. I’m sure my girl is some where working SMART not hard. Hey D-Lo. Martez was the mastermind of your heterogeneous grouping. Martez is such a gentleman. He gone keep him some paper & a job. Hey son son! Ronald is well. Ronald is still slow to speak & quick to listen. I’m not sure if you remember but the boy is a real life math Wiz. He low key my accountant. When i need a quick sum of the money I make on my side job… I can quickly shoot out some numbers and he gone tell me in a millisecond that check. You CHANGED my life! I will always love you. mentalhealthiswealth

    Miss Radford the class of 2005 was your year. You out performed. Our class had more scholars to walk across that stage compared to the other teachers. It was a sad day.
    However from your tutelage you have:

    Donald & Tamara educated professionals!
    Camilliya skilled hair stylist and queen!
    Destiny & Ashley skilled hard working professional.
    Kevin hard working blue collar professional…
    & of course my Bestie Desiree Hardiman…. Jack of all trades… super hilarious & gone get it… by any means necessary. 

    Thank you 

    Miss Radford !!!!!!!

    We love you.

    Shika Gaines
    Author
    Gainesshika0@gmail.com

    CAMILLIYA BELL A year ago · 1 Like

    My GAWD!!!!! This has me in TEARS like full blown cry! She was, is, & WILL ALWAYS BE one of the most influential people I’ve ever come across. I wish I could be that child in her class again in this stage of my life I NEED her so bad right now & all those fussings and scoldings she gave us this woman is somebody I didn’t know I needed & I love her for this always

    Shika Gaines A year ago · 1 Like

    Love you bay bay! Im so thankful that Miss Radford cultivated our friendship. You have always been a natural born leader. I was not well & you was there! That’s what miss radford taught us the most a sense of community. -Shika

    Diamond Gilliam A year ago · 1 Like

    I don’t know why I’m just now seeing this BUT I’m glad that i did. Whew, it seems like she was talking directly to me! Crazy that I’ve been running into her these last few weeks! Ms. Claudette Radford was my favorite! I hated in CPS they took away our gifted program. When I say we (as a class) would have her read books outside of what she had us reading in class. Then amongst ourselves we’ll laugh and joke about what happened in the book (urban books). 

    Ms Radford was the greatest, I remember coming to school a bit earlier in the morning because I struggled with math( I hated math with a passion didn’t like it and didn’t wanna like it) that’s just how much she cared and wanted her students to succeed and every way possible. I learned a lot from her and even as a 7th grader then; it’s still instilled in me of what she taught! Especially when she called us by our last names Miss/Mr., that taught us how to be young men and women and how to give the same respect that person gave you back. She played a part in my village of modding me into the woman I am today. I could write a book on this lady because that’s just how amazing she is. 

    Ms.Radford the next time we bump into each other we going to lunch!

    Kay tell her don’t make me cry like that again! Lol

    Like

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