It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! I’m grateful that this profession is recognized nationally so that teachers are celebrated for the demanding and important work that they do. I also wonder what would happen if this week didn’t exist? Would people forget to celebrate teachers? Would we forget about our own teachers and the impact they had on our lives? I can’t even see how that’s possible!
I’ve had so many amazing teachers in my life, like Ms. Flythe, my first grade teacher. Not only was I new to the school, my family had just moved to Maryland. She made me feel right at home in her classroom.
In fifth grade, my teacher Ms. Bagshaw, suggested that I give a speech at our promotion ceremony. I still remember the surprise I felt at her confidence in me.
In middle school, my best friend and I struggled in our PE classes because we were so much smaller than the other kids. But when it was time for the line dancing unit, our teachers Ms. Dzambo & Ms. Snyder put us front and center to teach other students because they knew that’s where we could shine.
There are so many other teachers I am grateful to for shaping me into the person I am today. Ms. Hawkins, an English teacher who recognized a moment when things were clicking in my head. She leaned over and whispered in my ear “you’re going to make it” and I believed her. Mr. Gibbons, a social studies teacher who recognized how exhausted I was and was always kind to me when I fell asleep in class. Mr. Himmelheber, another English teacher and my yearbook advisor. His lighthearted and loving spirit made him someone I was always happy to be around. And, Ms. Rosso, my dance teacher who not only gave me opportunities to choreograph and perform solos, but also opened me up to the idea of becoming a teacher.
Our school years are some of the most formative of our lives. We gain a little independence when we step away from home and into schools. It’s scary, exciting, and messy. While your school experience may be vastly different from my own, I’m willing to bet there was at least one teacher who made a positive impact on you. Maybe they taught you something fascinating. Maybe they believed in you and made you believe in yourself. Maybe their gentle signs of love gave you enough hope to make the day bearable.
I hope you’ll find a way to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week in any way that feels right. It could be a big gesture, like sending a gift to your child’s teacher. It could be taking the time to reminisce and be grateful for the teachers who impacted your own life. Whatever you decide, I ask that you post something to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. Your gratitude could bring a lot of joy and hope to a community of loving, hard-working teachers.
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