Jeffrey Swicegood, a long-term substitute teacher at Providence High School, received the ultimate surprise the Tuesday before Thanksgiving break by his senior English class — a pair of red and green plaid Vans.

But to Swicegood, it wasn’t just the Vans that made him emotional. Despite his love for the shoe brand and its bright colors and funky patterns, Swicegood said it meant a lot that his students — his community — came together for the thoughtful gesture.

“These shoes are more than just a pair of shoes,” said Swicegood. “They are a lasting memory of my first year here at this school. 

“And it’s not the gift that matters, it’s the people giving it,” added Swicegood. “In this world, we should embrace kindness, be kind no matter what to people, regardless of their past or of their characteristics. We should love one another. And everyone in this class loves one another. They bring out the best in each other and they build each other up. It’s encouraging to see and it touches me every day.”

Swicegood has subbed in several Charlotte-area schools and enjoys being a substitute teacher because of the different schools and students he gets to meet and interact with, but Providence is one of the schools Swicegood considers “home.” 

As a substitute teacher and head coach for track and cross country at Providence, Swicegood makes it his mission to get to know each and every student he meets, and not just their name. He builds relationships and makes connections by asking students questions about their interests. Swicegood also makes it a point to go to their performances and games.

“It’s amazing to be part of their lives both in and out of the classroom,” said Swicegood. “I embrace community. I embrace family, support, positivity and encouragement all the way. I was raised to know that everybody matters. Every single kid matters. I cheer on every kid from start to finish.”

Paige Fitton, a senior in Swicegood’s English class, said her class was immediately on board when they came together on deciding on what to gift Swicegood. They knew of his love for Vans and Christmas, but they also wanted to show how much they appreciated him as a teacher.

“He pours so much into us,” said Fitton. “Mr. Swicegood has a really fun, bubbly and kind personality which makes us want to come to class and participate in the activities. He also just shows that he cares, not only about making sure that we learn and get our education, but also that he cares about us as people and what our futures look like and that we’re going to do great things.”

Swicegood comes from a family of educators. Both his mom and dad were teachers for several years. His parents have both passed, but because of the legacy of love and support his parents left with the students they taught, Swicegood hopes that his students also remember that he wanted the best for them, he cared about them and they felt valued.

“I always saw myself as a teacher, and I just knew that I wanted to enrich, enliven and prolong my parents’ legacy,” said Swicegood. “The legacy I want to leave for my kids was that he made everyone feel special, feel important and that they mattered. Even if it’s 15 or 20 years from now, he still remembers. I want to be known as an encourager, everyone’s cheerleader and everyone’s supporter.”

And his care for students is just one of the many reasons Fitton said they love having him as a teacher.

“We love Mr. Swicegood because he’s passionate about what he loves, he truly has a kind heart and he is one of the most selfless teachers I’ve definitely had the privilege of being taught by,” said Fitton.