Whether you’re a teacher, student, or parent, our classics are perfect for the classroom. We asked a few teachers from our Birdies flock how they’re wearing their Birdies shoes for the first day of school…just in case you’re in search of some best-in-class style inspo. They’ve also shared their stories about teaching virtually over the past year, some of their favorite Zoom classroom moments, and how Birdies make them feel while they’re on their feet all day.
Did you know? We’re proud to offer all educators a special 20% off year-round discount so they can look and feel great while they’re hard at work. Don’t be shy—spread the word to all the teachers and educators in your life so they can take advantage of this offer and treat their feet to best-in-class style and ultimate comfort!
Teacher Name: Ms. Johnson
Where You Teach: Folsom, CA
Grade Level: 2nd Grade
Subjects: Multiple
How you adapted to a virtual classroom over the past year: Virtual teaching was a learning curve for my entire staff! The challenges we faced were unlike anything we had ever seen before, but I am grateful I work on such a supportive and collaborative staff. Everyone was happy to help each other and get creative in our problem-solving efforts. Teachers brought their strengths to the table, and we made it through together!
A favorite teaching moment or memory from the last year when you taught virtually: In order to keep kids engaged, I planned a lot of virtual games and activities. From our pet party to class dress-up day, we always had a good time! One memory that really stands out is the time one of my students was in Tahoe with their family. One benefit of virtual teaching was, even if a student was on vacation, they could still make it to class on Zoom. This student was able to show us the snow and even a bear walking past their cabin! It was such a unique and amazing experience for our entire class.
One thing you’re looking forward to most going back to school this year: I do it for the kids. Teaching can be an extremely difficult profession and some days you really must believe in your why. These tiny humans are it for me. I love seeing them laugh, smile, and grow. I get to watch them be kind and show empathy to one another. That is the most beautiful part of education for me. My students are going to change the world. They already are.
How you style your Birdies for school days: I am loving the Swift sneakers in shell! They are so comfortable, and I love the neutral color. I can wear them with literally any of my teacher outfits. They look great paired with a dress or with a teacher tee and jeans on casual Fridays. I am excited to try other styles too! Cute and comfortable shoes for teaching is a must for me and Birdies delivers!
How Birdies make you feel when you’re teaching: I am constantly moving around the room when I teach, especially since I am a primary teacher. This means comfort is key for me when it comes to work shoes. However, in the past, I have had a hard time finding stylish shoes that can handle a whole day on my feet. Birdies are adorable and get me through my busy day with the kids. I feel comfortable, confident, and cute wearing them!
Teacher Name: Ms. Robinson
Where You Teach: Southern California
Grade Level: 8th Grade
Subjects: Language Arts, History, & Social Studies
How you adapted to a virtual classroom over the past year: The “beauty” of being forced to teach virtually for most of last year is that I learned how to make typical paper and pencil lessons digital. Although the learning curve on this was a little rough, now I’m all about reducing my paper consumption in the classroom.
A favorite teaching moment or memory from the last year when you taught virtually: I had this small group of students who always hung around after class. They named themselves “The Lunch Bunch.” When class ended, we would just talk about all sorts of random topics and they even tried to teach me how to play the online game Among Us.
One thing you’re looking forward to most going back to school this year: Being in the presence of students and feeding off their energy.
How you style your Birdies for school days: I love pairing my black Starling flats with slim-fitting pants and a nice top, but I can’t wait to try them out with black jeans and camel blazer for Fall.
How Birdies make you feel when you’re teaching: Every time I wear my Birdies to work, it feels like I’m walking on little pillows all day, which is key when you’re on your feet all day. It feels like my feet are on vacation.
Teacher Name: Ms. Lawrence
Where You Teach: Southern California
Grade Level: 8th Grade
Subjects: Math & Science
How you adapted to a virtual classroom over the past year: I adapted to a virtual classroom by focusing on how I could connect with students even through a screen. I made daily efforts to connect with students and get to know them individually, which allowed for the virtual teaching to go smoother than anticipated.
A favorite teaching moment or memory from the last year when you taught virtually: One of the good things that came out of virtual teaching was the ability to give more individualized attention to students in breakout rooms and in the few minutes after class ended. Normally, students would have been leaving to go home or rushing to the next class, but last year they were able to talk to me about their lives and interests. I will cherish that extra time I got to spend with my virtual classes because I got to know my students on a deeper level than I would have if we were in person.
One thing you’re looking forward to most going back to school this year: The thing I am looking forward to the most is allowing for students to interact with one another again. In the virtual setting, students were disconnected from their peers, so I look forward to guiding them in building those connections with their peers again.
How you style your Birdies for school days: I love pairing my latte Starling flats with tailored pants and an oversized blazer. During the warmer months they pair great with a flowy dress or skirt. My style at work can be both casual and dressy and I find that birdies pair perfectly with either style.
How Birdies make you feel when you’re teaching: Wearing my Birdies while I teach makes me feel like I did when I was teaching in my slippers from home during virtual teaching last year.
Teacher Name: Mrs. Miller
Where You Teach: Carmichael, California
Grade Level: 3rd Grade
Subjects: All Subjects
How you adapted to a virtual classroom over the past year: Virtual teaching was difficult and hard to adapt. With the unpredictability of WiFi, student preparedness, and distractions, I don’t think I ever fully adapted. The most important thing that got me through that time was knowing to be flexible. I realized how resilient my students were and we all worked together to make it the best learning environment for everyone.
A favorite teaching moment or memory from the last year when you taught virtually: My favorite memories from remote learning were all of the surprise guests that showed up on our Zooms. We had dogs, turtles, bunnies, little siblings, and parents all make an appearance. As a teacher, you usually only see students in a certain environment, so I enjoyed getting to see their lives and the people they were surrounded by at home.
One thing you’re looking forward to most going back to school this year: I am looking forward to hearing "the sounds of school". I love hearing roller backpacks slam into my door in the morning when the students eagerly arrive, the laughter of kids on the playground, and the learning and collaboration that happens in the classroom. These things are not changed by 6 feet of distance or masks; they are the little things that give me hope that we are slowly getting our normal school back.
How you style your Birdies for school days: I love wearing my black Starling flats to school because they go with all of my outfits. In the September heat, I can wear them with dresses, but I can also wear the same pair of shoes in December with pants and a sweater. The fact that they are so universal makes choosing my outfit in the morning so much easier.
How Birdies make you feel when you’re teaching: Birdies make me feel confident and comfortable when I am teaching. Before I got Birdies, I chose having a cute pair of shoes over comfort. With Birdies, I am able to have both! The students are always keeping me on my toes and up walking around, and I never have to worry about sore feet. When I get home after teaching, I often forget to even take my Birdies off because they are so comfortable.
Share the love by passing along news about our Teacher Discount Program to all the teachers in your life, so they can shop our collection of stylish, comfortable shoes just in time for the back-to-school season.
