Each day of this week of appreciation, we are meeting a teacher whom we admire and respect for how they use Parent Teacher Home Visits to make an impact on our kids and communities. Follow along each day to hear a new story of impact. 

Stacie Stosich, Washoe County School District – Strengthening Teacher Leadership at School and In the Community 

Stacie Stosich’s journey as an elementary school teacher in Washoe County School District reads like a relatable tale of passion, leadership, and community spirit. For more than a decade, she’s been weaving herself into the fabric of her neighborhood, not just as an educator, but as a neighbor and friend. With her own kids attending the same school where she teaches, Stacie wears the dual hats of parent and educator with pride, recognizing the unique perspective it affords her, “I’m not just their teacher; I’m part of their lives.” 

In her role as her school’s PTHV coordinator, Stacie’s leadership shines brightly. Initially unsure about these visits, she admits, “I thought it was like a welfare check, just showing up unannounced.” But a training session last year changed her perspective entirely. She saw the potential for genuine connections beyond the classroom walls, and she jumped at the chance to lead the work at her school. “I can see what [PTHV] could make…what kind of changes can happen when you have those relationships. I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to retire here. I have some ownership in this community.” 

Stacie is acting on her own hopes and dreams as both a mom and a teacher in her school community. As an at-large board member for the Washoe Education Association, Stacie is tirelessly advocating for and working to transform her neighborhood school into a thriving and vibrant community school through the power of relationships. 

In a world where high-stakes accountability measures are used to define teacher “success,” it’s easy to overlook the profound impact of everyday acts of kindness, connection, and dedication. For educators like Stacie, the true measure of success lies not in test scores or the highest career accolades but in the tangible difference they make in the lives of their students. As Teacher Appreciation Week reminds us to honor and celebrate educators, let’s not forget the quiet heroes who, through Parent Teacher Home Visits, are shaping futures and transforming students’ educational experiences, one visit at a time. 

Want to show appreciation to these inspiring teachers – and all others who share their belief in the power of home-school partnership?  

Leave a message at the Teacher Appreciation Hotline at 202-743-5371, sponsored by our national partner, the National Education Association, to share a story of an educator going above and beyond for their students. It will be shared with education leaders to help give teachers the respect they deserve. And shoutout all the teachers you know who go the extra mile on all platforms using the hashtag, #ThankATeacher 

Consider the resources that teachers need to successfully partner with families. Read about Washoe County School District’s Parent Teacher Home Visits practice and explore our website to learn more about this proven family engagement strategy and how you can implement them in your school or district.