From Seesaw Classrooms to Real-Life Connections
Some connections start in a classroom. Others start with a simple message.
For Shirley Meissner, a former second-grade teacher in Kansas, and Anne-Marie Claxton, a former junior primary teacher in South Australia, their story started with Seesaw and grew into something neither of them could have imagined.
It Started With Students
Back in 2015, Shirley began using Seesaw as a way to document student learning. But it quickly became something more meaningful. When one of her student’s parents was deployed overseas, Seesaw became their connection point, a way for a father to stay part of his child’s everyday learning moments. That experience stayed with Shirley. It showed her that learning doesn’t have to stop at the classroom door, it can travel anywhere.
A Connection Across 8,000 Miles
In 2019, through Seesaw’s global educator community, Shirley met Anne-Marie, over 8,000 miles away. What started as a classroom collaboration quickly turned into something deeper. Their students connected across continents, sharing lessons, cultures, and everyday life. The world suddenly felt a little smaller, for both teachers and their students.
When the pandemic hit, their connection only grew stronger. Across time zones, they spent hours video chatting, co-planning, and building a shared classroom experience.
When Learning Inspires Action
Shirley and Anne-Marie’s classrooms didn’t just connect, they made an impact. When wildfires devastated Kangaroo Island in Australia, Anne-Marie shared updates with Shirley’s students through Seesaw. Inspired to help, her students organized a coin drive to support the community. It was a powerful reminder: when students feel connected to the world, they want to be part of it.
A Friendship That Kept Growing
Even after Shirley retired in 2020 after 42 years in education, their connection didn’t fade. It evolved.
She began quilting, channeling the same care she gave her students into every stitch. One quilt, made especially for Anne-Marie, included meaningful pieces from their journey… even a Seesaw T-shirt.
A friendship, stitched together over time.
From Screens to Real Life
Then came the moment seven years in the making. In March 2026, Shirley flew from Colorado to South Australia with her husband, and they met in person Anne-Marie and her husband in person for the very first time.
See the full video of them meeting here.
Together, they:
- Explored Kangaroo Island
- Hiked the Flinders Ranges
- Attended an AFL game
- Visited wildlife parks
What started as a digital connection had become a real-life friendship.
“Seesaw has been the spark for a lifelong friendship between us.”
More Than a Classroom Tool
For Anne-Marie, Seesaw didn’t just connect her to another teacher; it transformed her
teaching. Working in junior primary, she found new ways to support her students, meet diverse needs, and bring fresh energy into her classroom. Instead of slowing down later in her career, she found herself more inspired than ever.
The Heart of It All
Shirley and Anne-Marie’s story is a reminder of what educators truly do. They don’t just teach lessons; they build bridges. They create community. And sometimes… they find lifelong friendships along the way.
Seesaw is proud to connect a global community of over 100,000 educators across 160+ countries, sparking moments, relationships, and impact that reach far beyond the classroom.
