I had the privilege of having that title for more than 30 kids each year for twenty-eight years. It happens to be all the more special to me to have that title because my 5th grade teacher had a lasting impact on my life and on many lives from my small town of Buhl, MN.
This one's for you, Mr. Maki. And the many teachers from Martin Hughes School who influenced so many of us to simply "have heart." ❤️ My teachers from 1976-1990 were the reason I became a teacher. This one is for all of the teachers!!
Me and my childhood friend, Mike Kalnbach, and our 5th grade teacher Mr. Maki! Taken last summer 2021 on Lake Fourteen in Northern Minnesota. Read on about The Best Day Ever....
The Best Day Ever....
It was absolutely divine intervention that I got to see Mr. Maki for the first time since probably 1985 last summer 2021. I was up north for a class reunion and it was a good thing I posted a 'sad-sac' picture of myself at the pit with nobody else in sight to join me for a swim. My friend/classmate, Mike (also my Great MN Recipe partner), messaged me and said, "...come to the cabin." Unplanned. Welcomed adjustment. Our classmate Sue and her family ended up showing up at the pit. They had a ball and I was glad to be on my way to Lake 14 after so many years. Oh my gosh I spent a lot of time at my friend Tammy's when we were growing up & she lived on Lake 14! I had the best times at her house and I hadn't been up there in so, so long! Lol - MacGyver used to hang around in them parts because he has family up on the Iron Range in MN. Anyway, I got to the cabin and it was so perfect to see Mike and Lynn!! Both classmates from MIB 90'!! Mt. Iron-Buhl. They have two beautiful boys, and one of them joined us for a pontoon ride around the lake. I was so happy to be with old friends back home on the lakes. Then, Mike says, nonchalantly, as he points over to shore: "There's Mr. Maki's cabin." WHAT!!! You mean OUR MR. MAKI!!??? I said with flare! Mike is the most relaxed, calming, composed guy with the sweetest soul. "We can walk down there." Again, nonchalant. WHAT??!!! He's there!!!!!!!! Park the boat and let's roll. We decided to hop on the bicycles. Well, I am chubby and sometimes I am really chubby and sometimes I am less chubby. Geez, that quick bike ride wasn't easy. I was so excited and I couldn't peddle fast enough. Low and behold, we pull up to the drive way and there HE is!! Taking something out of the trunk. I threw the bike down like I was in 5th grade and couldn't wait to throw my dad's quarters in the Donkey Kong arcade game at our local Short Stop, and threw my arms up saying, "Mr. Maki!!!" When I got all the way up to him, I had the sense to stop and with a glowing smile ask, "do you remember me?!!" "No." he said. Just as sweet and honest as can be. I looked at Mike and we busted laughing. After a few seconds of jogging his memory of the year we were in his class and other stories, he knew both me and Mike. Ray Maki was, after all, a teacher at Martin Hughes in Buhl, MN for close to, if not his entire 30+ year career. He had a lot of kids!! I can relate to that. I couldn't remember as many names as I could faces - well, when the faces are somewhat close to when they were 10-11! :)
Through my blog today, I am hoping to share my deep love for education, my sincere support to fellow educators, my philosophies about happy classrooms and my drive to continue teaching from the kitchen & my table.....
Okay, it's a food blog, I know, I know. Well, I think if you interviewed many staff, students and families throughout a long career, one of the first things they'd say is, "Sac can cook." Well, in my mind anyway. We all have things that we love, I hope. You know, things we are good at and things we want to just keep getting better and better at. For me, teaching and cooking are at the top of the list. Learning is automatically a part of both. Performing/Writing also. Call them passions, although that word is tired. They have been a part of me for as far back as I can remember in some way. We all have talents. We don't have to be first authorities on them and we are certainly going to make a lot of mistakes while we continue building on them. Why, oh why, is it so bad to say, "I am great at this! I would love to share more about how others can feel this way." etc. After all, I am pretty sure most teachers would say it is a positive thing to hear your students say out loud, "....Wow, I'm good at this, (teacher's name)! I love it!" Great, yes? Then it's great for grown ups too.
My love for cooking with kids grew over my teaching career. I started off cooking for staff. Once I realized that all of the 'system' roles that I continually pursued did little to make any change and they were also sucking my soul dry, I quit it all! I turned my attention toward student-centered focuses both during my instructional day and after. Facilitating a Student Council, creating performance opportunities for all K-8th grade students and staff, and getting kids in the kitchen and in front of ingredients as much as possible were ways that I found and held onto the joy I needed to have a happy classroom. To be fair, I was just getting to that "hold onto" mastery right before I took a leave of absence pause to join Lars in Houston. I am confident I can pick up where I left off soon.
One of many "Recipe Days with Ms. Saccoman." My colleague and I did a 'buddy day' and had my 5th graders and his 3rd graders in the kitchen. Here, I am demonstrating how to make homemade gnocchi and a simple, meatless red sauce. I would prepare all of the dough the night before and after the demo, everyone would get their dough, form their gnocchi, come put theirs in the boiling water, and then get the fresh, tomato 🍅 & basil sauce ladled on their gnocchi. It was a beautiful thing to be a part of. With some donors choose projects, I was able to source aprons. My colleagues who got to be a part of recipe day, I think, would also share how meaningful these lessons were. It was so much fun watching every, single ability level - including students with varied levels of autism - create and sample delicious food together. Watching them eat was always my favorite! That's true for all cooks, I think!
One of my favorite parts about recipe day was sampling the final dish in front of the kids before they sampled. I would share my Italian culture by saying, "mungia, mungia!!" flaring my hands up in a kissing motion like my Nana would do. It would always make the kids that much more excited to get cooking so they could taste too! Ya, pre-covid I was one of those teachers who even shared my sandwich with my kiddos. Everyone gets a bite after me until it's done. :) Here's our final gnocchi with red sauce, basil and a sprinkling of Romano cheese! Mmmmmm!! They couldn't believe you can make spaghetti sauce with just fresh ingredients in the ninja!
My very last year at Andersen United Community School, I made homemade sauce for several colleagues. I love giving food gifts.
I hope they enjoyed it.
I had to include this shot of when I played, "Susie Snowflake" in my 4th grade concert. I remember this so well because the gymnasium was filled and I knew during this brief performance that I wanted to be on stage forever. Bringing these loves to my role as a teacher - performing and cooking - have brought such powerful experiences and creativity to many kids. So many teachers, principal's, and coaches before us - passing on our love & learning to future generations.
I believe that one of the reasons I was successful in our high poverty communities of Minneapolis was because I brought my love for the arts into my daily instruction in millions of tiny and huge ways. That, and I believe kids know when you're "real." Plain and simple. And they knew I loved them. They knew. Even when I made mistakes, lost battles, or even got in trouble, the kids are all that matter to good teachers. And doing what is best for them.
Even though I began my career teaching 5th grade in Windhoek, Namibia which is Southwest Africa, I didn't start with the cooking fun until I got to Minneapolis. But, I know my very first 5th grade class would remember when I directed them in a play about English grammar called, "The Wonderful Circus of Words," (which I would continue to direct other classes to perform in years to come) and we raised money to spend a weekend on the coast in Swakopmund! (a four hour drive) Gosh how I love this group of kids!! Who are now nearly 40 years old! My ultimate wish is to see all 13 of them again at one time!!! Oh gosh!! One of the last times I saw them all together was at a good-bye party they threw for me as a surprise in 1995. One of the families hosted and all of my 13 kids and their parents were there. Everyone was dressed up. They were all 11 and I was 24. It was an International School so my very first class of students were from nearly ten different countries. To be able to begin my career with an abundance of diversity, culture, experienced pedagogy, family and community support, and so much love & encouragement was very empowering. I cried so hard when I left my beautiful Namibia. I have kept in touch with some of my "first 13." Thanks to technology it is easier to chat. A few Namibian shots from 94-95...
This was taken in 95' in Swakopmund, Namibia. We stayed here for two nights and it was such a memorable weekend!
(front: Emile from Norway; middle left to right: Stay-C - Namibian, Bronwen from England, Shaleen from Sri Lanka, Peter from Kenya ; back left to right: Katrina from USA, Norman - Namibian, LaToya - Namibian, me, Dylan - Namibian, Anatoli from Bulgaria.
Dimitri from Mexico, Miriam from Mali, & Maxime from France are not pictured.
Yes, I surely do remember my first 13!)
My colleagues, students and families at Windhoek International School had a tremendous impact on my future in education. I was hired to teach at WIS right out of college and nearly thirty years later I still remember the kind of leadership we had at WIS! My principal, Kevin Bartlett, emulated excellence - very hard working, always around the kids, encouraged and fostered leadership in every one of us, hugged a lot, scolded when needed, etc.
Here's a shot of one of my 'kids' and I who get to chat on 'WhatsApp!' Norman I & I just last winter.... oxoxo pictured below 2022 & above in Swakop 1995. Argh, I have the 'ugly-cry' look...
Lief vir jou skutti bou!!
I could go on and on about Namibia. My students have grown into extraordinary people. Doctors, scientists, Special Olympic leaders, innovating, beating cancer, giving back, healing....
Namibia will forever be in my heart. When I wasn't teaching, I was with Elrico and his family and friends. Elrico was my husband when we were in our early 20's. We met at Concordia and that is how I came to find my first teaching position in Windhoek. I remember feeling fantastic physically when I lived in Namibia. The food was all very fresh and organic. We bbq'd (brai) everything or we also made 'poitjie kos' - pot of food - on the fire and I am sorry if I am butchering the spelling of Afrikaans. Since we were young, we often went to clubs or parties on the weekends with several other couples. After partying, we would get "liver cookies" from this stand and they were so damn delicious! Just think of a giant liver meatball that was a bit flatter so you could eat it with your hands easily. I have always wanted to try recreating a liver cookie. Some day I will go back home to Namibia. I will visit Elrico's grave, embrace old friends, smell the air, smile at the aunties in the markets, visit the wild life in Etosha, eat lekker kos!, and run into the waves of Swakopmund! And if I can afford to do all of that, you can bet your bottom dollar there will be some tableforsue guests bringing some cooking joy, inspiration & more into my favorite community in Windhoek, Katatura!
"Namibia land of the brave, freedom fight we have won....."
I will love you forever Namibia!
After Namibia, I subbed and waitressed for a few years before landing a contract with Minneapolis Public Schools in 1999. I have mostly taught 5th grade and my favorite subjects to teach are Reading, Language Arts, Writing, Social Studies, Puberty-Hygiene, and Social Emotional Learning. And, of course, COOKING & DIRECTING PERFORMANCES. I have worked with Kindergarten - 8th grade students throughout most of my career because of these extra curricular and/or enrichment programs. 5th grade and higher - definitely my sweet spot. Cuz I'm bad. (Like Michael Jackson, bad) :).
Here's a little 'photo-gallery' story that kind of paves the way for what I know to be true about having a successful classroom. In a word, it's 'happy.'
When they know you're in it together - it's happier. Let em know when you screw up, have a bad day, make a mistake. A teacher should say they're sorry too if the apology is warranted. In my experience, my students were far better at sincere apologies than adults ever were.
Be real, be fun, be appropriately naughty! I would say to my 5th graders, "you are my favorite!!!.....pain in the butt!" In my head, it came out differently.
Take the time to enjoy the many personalities of your students. Give them the space to be silly, shine, tell a story, a joke.... I actually love secretly observing my really shy and reserved kids when a 'ham-peer' takes the podium for a spell. Your student leaders are a largely untapped, genius resource to the world's best education assistant's you can find! Peers are moved by peers. Oh goodness I loved this amazing kid! Wish I could have him on 'tableforsue" the show one day soon!
Provide a very safe place for your students to trust you, each other, themselves.... again, kids know when you're real. Maybe not everyone loves planning instruction around puberty and hygiene for pre-middle school aged kids, but I happen to think it is one of my great joys! Not to mention it adds great material when I do stand up! My answer to this question from the anonymous question box?
It is very natural for a penis to get erect, or hard when going through puberty. Sometimes it just happens unexpectedly and sometimes it happens because you are feeling happy or excited about something or someone. As you go through puberty, it will happen less and less unexpectedly. This was such a great question! Any other questions about this one? (mouths open) :). This seems like a great time to chat about nocturnal emission's.
When all else fails, talk about poop and farts! Mr. Maki could turn our frowns upside down with one, swift fart sound from under his arm pit!!
Should be in every classroom library!
One of my favorite stories I share on stage is when I am walking around the classroom checking on kids' work and I pass a little gas - but by the time someone discovers an 'off-odor', I am already on the other side of the classroom. Inevitably someone gets blamed and I just say, "oh.... everyone farts, just step outside if you have a ripe one like that...." :).
Jolly Ranchers were a powerful little treat in my drawer at all times!
Sometimes the climb is tough, but you can do it! :). This picture was when we would take our 5th graders to a Nature Reserve in Northern MN for 3 days. I was texting my colleagues to show them where I was and that "I'd be right there." lol
Then a World Wide Pandemic!!
It was the most surreal thing ever! I remember my assistant principal telling me to make sure I take my fish home that day in February of 2020. I had a pretty big tank with some big fishies! I told my AP that I had a two week feeder tablet and he said, "I think we are going to be out a lot longer than two weeks." I have my share of flaws, but I do have a very big heart and my heart was certainly hurting for so many people around the world who were going through hell with Covid 19. I do not know the answer to how I came through without ever getting sick or without having anyone I deeply love get sick. Here's what I do know....
I was getting to a point in my life where I knew in my bones I needed a break and I needed a change. I loved my students and had a few very special colleagues, but for the most part, the site I had spent nearly a decade in was like an unrequited relationship - I loved it, but no matter what I did, it would not love me back. Then BOOM - we got to go home! So from my point of view at the time, I was given some kind of magical life line when Distance Learning began.
This is not to say it was not challenging. It was the most difficult transition I ever experienced. It was also the closest I felt to being connected to our community and our leadership because the walls of hierarchy and ego were flattened by everyone's true vested interest in our students and their families. Our school was very close to where George Floyd was murdered so as everyone knows, in the midst of a deadly virus, our school community was intimately affected by both catastrophic destruction and powerful unification.
We gathered and mourned and prayed and demanded justice!!
With neighborhood stores on fire where our kids lived, my co-teacher and I made 30 bags of Cost-Co food items and delivered them to our students and their families. Educators all over the world were rallying for kids & families in more ways than you might even realize. Always with our own funding or funding we seek out from family & friend donations.
Teachers everywhere in the world had to quickly figure out how to do everything they always did from a screen. Educate, care for, check in with, console.... But then multiply the challenge times 100 because, of course, we were not together and our high poverty communities especially, simply could not put education on the top of their priority list when they were trying to survive!
I could not believe how much I was learning in such a short time to be equipped to provide meaningful lessons in this Distance Learning format. My mind was blown because I was always NOTORIOUS for ditching Professional Development because Professional Development is NOTORIOUS for being so unproductive it would make your stomach ache. I kept thinking, and asking others to which I got my usual response of nothingness, "why haven't we been learning these things in PD!!???" Because I am telling you, the learning that I acquired from colleagues during Distance Learning propelled even a 30 year veteran into mainstream knowledge of using technology smarter!!! Everything I learned made my work as a classroom teacher better and more efficient once we returned to in person learning as well!
Throughout Distance Learning, I would find ways to keep the "Recipe Day with Ms. Saccoman" going. I would show kids how to make something on camera and then they would write the same recipe with their own, creative spin.
Of course, I gave my students the option to make the recipe at home on camera with me. One of my boys used grapes as his topping. And, of course, copious amounts of syrup. lol
I cannot really count how many times Deviled Eggs have been made with my classes over the years. We had to do one during Distance Learning too! Here is quite an oldie video, when I was auditioning for The Next Food Network Star, of my 5th graders and I making deviled eggs. Thanks to my dear colleague, Steve Date, for filming this. oxox.
Recipe Day with Ms. Saccoman on YouTube 2014 - Deviled Eggs (click link below) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XwzKhquzPY&t=5s
Yummy! Spicy!!
I am the kind of person who makes cards for people. I have been doing it since I was very young. Poems, stories, greeting card notes, etc. I love expressing my love through any art form there is I guess. So when I receive gifts like this, it really does make my heart very full & I take pause & pray that we all stop to remind ourselves how meaningful these 'old school', 'little things' are. I have kept this and many other gifts safe in a chest ready to decorate the "Table For Sue" cooking set with! Teachers and 'card people' you can feel me on this one. Oh, Christena, you are such a gem!
I'm such a kid at heart! I love incorporating my fave things into my lesson planning. This was a Distance Learning assignment so the kids could practice writing a summary. Very scaffolded, but assignments that sparked conversation were A+ in my book! "Man, your video games sucked Ms. Sac!" Lol!! Same kid couldn't stop playing Frogger when we found retro games online! 🤣🤣
Assignment slide 1
Assignment Slide 2
I was given the gift to take a pause right before what appeared to be the climax of this impossible period of time for educator's everywhere. I remember the transition back to 'in person' being such a stress. However, there were only a few months to go before the school year ended. So, in August of 2021, everyone had to continue on with the piles of complex challenges that came with transitioning back to 'normalcy.'
As for me, I took a leave of absence in August of 2021 to join Lars in Houston, Texas. I have had all of the feelings from deep gratitude to feeling completely lost & having a bit of survivor's guilt. Teaching has defined me for so many years. I have such a yearning to somehow give something new to education. It certainly needs some help. My dream is to continue teaching (and learning) from my table.... stay tuned .... Table for Sue Welcomes.......
Be good. Don't be mean on purpose. Say you're sorry. Help someone. Work hard. Take care of yourself. Be silly. Take a break. Share a story. Teach a friend. Play for a long, long time! Forgive a mistake. Break a dumb rule. Dance. Laugh until you cry. Find your talent. Care for nature. Learn something new. Eat with others.
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