Teacher Appreciation

May 3rd - 7th is Teacher Appreciation Week. The truth is educators should be shown gratitude and appreciation every day, not just for a week in May.

As a school principal, I have the luxury of watching teachers, instructional support staff, custodians, bus drivers and food service professionals love and serve students each and every day. Not a day goes by I don’t feel admiration and appreciation for the dedication and compassion they show our children.

These professionals step into our schools, leave their personal stories behind and begin the magic of transporting, greeting, teaching, feeding, cleaning and supporting children. To name everything that goes into a successful day of school, especially in 2021, would be impossible....... but in case you didn’t know:

• Teachers NEVER Stop Working: Educators work early in the morning, late in the evening, and weekends in between. They make plans for their students when they are sick or regardless of what else might be happening in their lives. Not a day goes by that a teacher doesn't plan for their students success.

• Teachers NEVER Stop Believing: Educators made learning possible during a world-wide pandemic. In a matter of days they learned new technological platforms, curriculum, emotional support and they haven’t stopped for over a year. Every day I watch teachers imagine and reimagine learning in their classrooms...all because they have hope for the future and relentless hope to influence their students success.

• Teachers Never Stop Loving: Educators love their students like they are their own family. I see tears, joy and endless love from teachers day after day and year after year. Elementary teachers have students come back to visit or receive notes years later reminding them of their powerful impact.

The fact of the matter is, a successful day for a child wouldn't be possible without teachers.

I believe with all of my heart that education is the ultimate equalizer. It provides a safe place and platform for children to learn and grow into anything they choose in life, regardless of their circumstances.

I sometimes feel especially fortunate that I was born into this profession. My Mom was a teacher. Some of my earliest memories are accompanying her to the teacher store (remember those?!?) so she could create a magical place in her classroom for students or enhance the curriculum for kids.

I see a little bit of her in every classroom I step into. I feel her love and I see her dedication in the eyes of my colleagues. I wouldn’t be here today without my loving mothers example. My life’s work wouldn’t be possible without a powerful education mentor, who happened to be my mother.

Teachers, support staff, custodians, bus drivers and food service professionals are unsung heroes. They give their best to our children through sickness and health, better or worse and they deserve the same from us.

I hope everyone who had a child, has a child, or hopes to have a child takes a minute this week to thank an educator. They are making our lives and the world a better place.