St. Louis Language Immersion School Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week
SLLIS supports its teachers both inside and outside of the classroom
St. Louis, Mo. (May 6, 2025) In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week May 5-9, St. Louis Language Immersion School (SLLIS) is celebrating its educators and all they do to inspire, support, and shape students' lives.
With the goal of providing a bilingual, culturally responsive, and transformational education, the dedicated faculty and staff at SLLIS nurture students, celebrate their achievements, and empower them to take risks and grow. Bringing experience from more than 15 countries outside the U.S., SLLIS educators not only offer their language expertise in the classroom but also share their unique cultural traditions to help expand students’ view of the world.
As an instructional coach at SLLIS, Samantha Shiver provides support, guidance, and resources to SLLIS teachers, helping them navigate the U.S. education system and adapt to cultural differences in the classroom, while ensuring they have the ability to share their culture and experiences with others.
“Teachers are often the unsung heroes in our communities,” said Shiver. “Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to change the trajectory of a child’s life and help shape them into productive, empowered members of society. As educators, we’re constantly evolving to give our students what they need, not just academically, but emotionally and socially, too. At SLLIS, we aim to create a just, equitable, and transformative school – and that starts with our teachers.”
SLLIS supports its international teachers throughout the entire onboarding process, from navigating the visa process and obtaining a social security number to reviewing housing agreements, setting up phones and finding local grocery stores.
Shiver also talks about the power of a simple “thank you,” helping to remind educators that the work they do matters to both their students as well as the future of our world. She encourages others to support teachers by volunteering in schools and serving as a present, positive influence in children’s lives.
“Too often, schools around the country are understaffed, and that makes every positive adult presence even more impactful,” Shiver said. “Just having more support, whether in the classroom or around the community, makes a huge difference for teachers. At the end of the day, anything that helps students grow is also a powerful way to support educators.”
About St. Louis Language Immersion School
St. Louis Language Immersion School was founded in 2009 and is a charter school serving Pre-K through 8th grade to the City of St. Louis. The school provides students with a world-class, global, dual language immersion education in French, Spanish or Chinese, taught by native speakers. The one of a kind school was named the 2024 Best Public Charter School in Missouri and plays an essential role in the fabric of the St. Louis community. For more information, go to www.sllis.org.