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Our Voices - Quick Takes

What Classroom Mementos Mean the Most to You?

We asked this question on NEA Today’s Facebook page and received a lot of interesting answers.
classroom mementos
Published: May 7, 2026 Last Updated: May 7, 2026
First Appeared In NEA Today, May 2026

Quote byStacey Gilroy, Arizona

I cherish a bronze bell my grandma gave to me my first year [of teaching], 30-plus years ago. It had belonged to her sister when she taught in a one-room schoolhouse in Oklahoma.
—Stacey Gilroy, Arizona
Stacey Gilroy

Quote byJanis Swanson, Washington

After teaching about [Native American environmental leader] Billy Frank Jr., a student who was a relative of his gave me a woven purse made by a member of the family.
—Janis Swanson, Washington
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Quote byPam T.

A hand-knitted duck, made by my student Daniel.
—Pam T.
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Quote byJean L.

I have a handmade ornament that says Times New Roman, double-spaced, 12-point font.
—Jean L.
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Quote byMelanie Smeltz, Pennsylvania

My read-aloud books are treasures to me! (Her favorite book is Red & Lulu.)
—Melanie Smeltz, Pennsylvania
Red & LuLu Book Cover

Quote byTamara Madden, Oregon

Where I live, most kids can’t afford a gift for a teacher, so when they bring me shiny rocks and little pebbles, I know it means they went out of their way to find something beautiful.
—Tamara Madden, Oregon
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Quote byMarj Njaa, Washington

One of my all-time favorite notes came from a student after he went on to middle school.
—Marj Njaa, Washington
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