Celebrating Teachers For National Teacher Appreciation Week

Of all the jobs I have tried to put myself in, there’s no way, shape, or form that I could be a teacher. Teachers, in my book, are Saints. Their patience level is premium and Lord knows, they’re good listeners. Trust me on this, your kids have outted your late night snacking habits, among other things, amusing the teachers no end. Granted these individuals go to college to learn to teach, but I find when my kids ask me a tough question, I sometimes wish the teacher were there to help me with the answer. Instead, I defer to Google. Teachers are indeed their own breed and should be appreciated on all levels.

When I think about my years in school, I think about and remember my teachers more than the classes I took or the books I read. In particular, there are some teachers whose lessons I still carry with me to this day. Teachers like Mrs. Cole who taught me how to write, and how to dig deep and write with feeling and conviction. Speak in truths and write from the heart. I’m not certain I would have had the same opportunities and career that I have now had it not been for great teachers like her. I like to think that everyone has had at least one teacher like Mrs. Cole, who influenced not only our academic progress but whose impact extends far beyond the classroom. Someone who inspired us to truly believe in ourselves and who set us on the path were we are today.

National Teacher Appreciation Day is Tuesday, May 9^th. Many schools around the Hudson Valley have already hosted a well-deserved staff and teacher appreciation breakfasts and such. Quite a bit more elaborate than the bouquet of cut flowers, wrapped in a wet paper towel that I used to bring in to my teachers as a thank you. Regardless, my gift was all heart and a tradition I would like to bring back for this year’s Teacher Appreciation Day.

As a parent, I couldn’t be more grateful for both Mac and Caroline’s teachers, especially the ones that have taught them this year. Both kids have made great strides this year academically, and have been taught some very valuable life lessons. So for this, thank you Ms. Jensen and Mr. Heinke. Your influence will not only stay with Mac and Caroline for years to come, but have made an impact on me as well.

This is a time for all of us to show our gratitude to educators who influenced our lives and the thousands of others who continue to nurture and develop our children’s education every day. Their selflessness and ability to motivate exemplify why teaching is not only one of the hardest professions, but one of the most rewarding as well.

Are your lilacs blooming? Then by all means, cut a few stems, wrap them in damp paper towels and send them in to your children’s teachers on Tuesday, May 9^th. This is a simple gesture with a grateful impact.