Even before Jessup Elementary opened its doors to students this week, teacher Lisa Finateri Dittrick spent her summer days wishing past students happy birthday and prepping birthday treats for each of her incoming students.
“Little things like that celebrate every kid in her classroom to let them know that they’re special,” her husband, Rob, said.
Good Reason Houston recognized the Pasadena ISD educator’s commitment to students this summer when a morning bakery run with her husband turned into a tearful surprise with $1,000 and a message from the grateful parent who nominated Lisa for the Houston Loves Teachers campaign.
“I was extremely touched,” Lisa said. “I teach the whole child. I don’t just teach math and science. I teach them to be good humans and to be conscious. It was nice to know there was a positive effect on the child and the family besides just academics.”
Melissa Mirabel nominated Lisa for her holistic approach in teaching her daughter with dyslexia.
“A good educator will teach your kids more than they may want to learn,” Mirabel said. “You will teach them with patience and love.”
Lisa shows up for the whole family: When a student thought they had money for school lunch but didn’t, she covered for them because she knows parents — like her — are heroes trying their best.
The Dittricks even get quinceanera invites every year from students who graduated from elementary school years ago, a testament to her long-lasting impact.
When awarded the $1,000, Rob joked that part of it should go toward a massage to help her manage stress of teaching. Lisa did use it for a massage, but not before using part of it to set up her classroom for the upcoming school year.
Going into a new school year this month, Lisa advised fellow teachers to — yes, get a massage — but also to be patient.
“Everything is doable,” she said. “It’s a new year. Be patient with yourself.”
Teachers are the heart of Houston’s future,” Houston Loves Teachers Managing Director Stefanie Cruz said. “When we celebrate the educators who inspire curiosity, build confidence, and open doors for students, we’re not just honoring their work today, we’re investing in the success of our city for generations to come.
Nominate a deserving teacher in your life at houstonlovesteachers.org.
