For many educators, the impact of a kind word, a listening ear, or steady encouragement can last long after a student leaves the classroom. Round Room, LLC, a Verizon Authorized Retailer and the parent company of TCC and Wireless Zone, celebrated that lasting influence through its annual Teachers Rock initiative, an employee-powered program that recognizes teachers across the country.
This year, Round Room invited employees to nominate educators who shaped their lives in meaningful ways. The heartfelt nominations led to $10,000 in awards for select educators, along with classroom supplies, cozy blankets, and other thoughtful gifts for hundreds of teachers nationwide.
Employees Honor Teachers Who Made a Lasting Impact
The Teachers Rock initiative gives Round Room employees a way to turn personal gratitude into community action. Through the program, employees shared stories about teachers who supported them beyond academics, including educators who offered emotional support, guidance, and encouragement during important moments.
In the Teachers Rock video, one employee summed up the deeper role many educators play in their communities: “Teachers are so important to our communities, and they do more than just teach. They are counselors.”
For Hannah Schutte, Round Room Gives Program Director, the initiative offered a chance to honor her former high school guidance counselor, Mrs. Connie White. Schutte surprised White during a classroom visit, creating an emotional reunion years after the educator had helped shape her path.
“Mrs. Connie White was more than a guidance counselor, she was someone who gave extra time, care and encouragement not only to me, but to so many of my peers.” Said Hannah Schutte, Round Room Gives Program Director, who surprised her former guidance counselor during a classroom visit, “Programs like Teachers Rock are one of many reasons I love working at Round Room. Our employees are able to turn gratitude into action and recognize the people who helped shape who we are today.”
The surprise carried extra meaning because of the time that had passed. In the video, Schutte said, “Me from 15 years ago would not be the same person I am today because of her.”
Surprise Visits Bring Emotion to the Classroom
The teacher recognitions included baskets of gifts, classroom resources and surprise awards. For White, the classroom visit brought an emotional reunion with Schutte, who said in the video that she had not seen her former guidance counselor in more than a decade.
“Oh my goodness, surprise. This is my Hannah banana,” White said when Schutte arrived.
White later shared how much the recognition meant to her. “It just means everything that she would remember all of those little things and and just know that I truly truly cared,” she said.
The video also highlighted another employee who nominated Mrs. B., an educator credited with shaping both personal values and family connections. The nomination led to another surprise award and an emotional exchange.
“Because of Mrs. B, because of the teacher, my life has been great,” the employee said in the video. “I think I’m a great human because of Mrs. B.”
For the teachers, the recognition offered more than a gift. It served as a reminder that students often carry those lessons, encouragement and acts of care for years.
One teacher reflected on the bond she feels with students, saying, “They’re my kids. They are my kids. I want as much as I would want for my own children, I want for them. So, they’re forever part of my heart.”
Round Room Connects Franchise Culture With Community Giving
Round Room’s Teachers Rock initiative reflects the company’s broader focus on community involvement across its franchise and retail network. The company runs quarterly giveback initiatives that address different needs throughout the year, shaped by employee passions and local impact opportunities.
“What makes Teachers Rock so meaningful is that it’s driven entirely by our employees,” said Scott Moorehead, CEO of Round Room. “These recognitions come from genuine gratitude of teachers who went the extra mile and left a lasting impact. From surprise awards to classroom support across the country, this initiative reflects the heart of our culture and our belief in turning appreciation into action.”
The company’s community efforts include local backpack giveaways, teacher support programs, pet rescue initiatives, and resources for people affected by domestic violence. Round Room has donated more than $10 million through its community grant program, benefiting more than 2,000 local nonprofits.
For employees, Teachers Rock also reinforces a workplace culture that encourages personal connection to giving. As one participant said in the video, “A company that helps their employees give back to what they’re passionate about is a company that knows how important community is.”
Teachers Rock Shows the Power of a Meaningful Thank-You
The Teachers Rock stories show how educators often make their greatest impact through everyday moments, listening to students, offering encouragement, and helping young people feel seen.
Through employee nominations, classroom gifts, and surprise awards, Round Room created a platform for those moments to be recognized. For the teachers who received the surprises, the initiative delivered more than appreciation. It showed that their care continues to echo through the lives of the students they helped.
