I had my first school visit on Friday after 25 months of virtual events. There is nothing more gratifying to connect with children in person. I loved reading Aliana Reaches for the Moon to each group, seeing their faces (some in masks, some not) during the story and hearing their reactions during and after the story. This will NEVER get old. I loved that so many had preordered the book for me to sign. And I loved the opportunity to share writing workshops with 3 different groups.
I’d like to add, as a former elementary teacher, there is magic that happens in a classroom. I witnessed it every day. Recently, we’ve expected teachers to adapt to virtual instruction, come back to the classroom with all the health risks involved, and face continued disrespect for the profession in general. This week is ‘Teacher Appreciation Week’ but it should be a mindset all year, not a week.
I'm a reading specialist and award winning educator from Chicago. While living in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado for nine years, I spent time hiking on the trails with my Goldendoodle Charlie and friends, writing, working in a literacy program at the Boulder Public Library, and mentoring writers and teachers. I love visiting schools. My books combine STEM and Kindness. "Aliana Reaches for the Moon" a picture book that draws inspiration from the moon and the curiosity of children, inviting children to be creative, explore, and experiment. "An Accidental Hero: A Mostly True Wombat Story" a picture book told in the form of a newscast which skillfully balances the serious subject of forest fires with compassion and humor to help children navigate this important topic through the real events of 2020. I moved to Northern New Jersey in 2025 and am working on new projects.
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11 thoughts on “In Person School Visit”
Sounds like a wonderful experience to go into classrooms with your picture book! As a former teacher, myself, I certainly agree that teachers deserve more appreciation each and every day!
Thanks, Becky. It’s really my favorite part of being an author. I loved my students during my teaching years and I’m grateful to not wake up to a 5:30 am alarm every day.
Congrats on being back in the classroom! And yes, teachers are having a really rough time of it. I worry about the future of the profession. We need a national change in mindset and funding.
Thank you! Yes, to all of that and it’s ridiculous that teachers are under appreciated given the importance of the work being done. It goes back to it being traditionally a job women held and the lack of pay and respect women were afforded historically.
Ditto for nurses.
I could give a Ted Talk.
Laura Roettiger Books 
Sounds like a wonderful experience to go into classrooms with your picture book! As a former teacher, myself, I certainly agree that teachers deserve more appreciation each and every day!
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Thanks, Becky. It’s really my favorite part of being an author. I loved my students during my teaching years and I’m grateful to not wake up to a 5:30 am alarm every day.
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That’s the best part of being retired from teaching, for sure!
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💯
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Congrats on being back in the classroom! And yes, teachers are having a really rough time of it. I worry about the future of the profession. We need a national change in mindset and funding.
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Thank you! Yes, to all of that and it’s ridiculous that teachers are under appreciated given the importance of the work being done. It goes back to it being traditionally a job women held and the lack of pay and respect women were afforded historically.
Ditto for nurses.
I could give a Ted Talk.
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Agree! And most people don’t know all the extra things librarians do (if the school even has one!)
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I’m so happy that you got to do this! Sounds like a great day!
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Thanks, Ellen! It was so rewarding to work with children again! I hope I can do a few more before the end of the school year.
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YAY for being able to do in-person school visits!!
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Thanks for sharing my happiness! In person visits are my favorite.
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