Teacher Appreciation Week – Paying it Forward, and Backward

A week hardly seems adequate, does it? But nevertheless, any acknowledgment of the commitment and sacrifices made by teachers and of the critical role they play in the lives of children and in the future of the country is welcomed. And so; Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10.

We hope that many of your students and their parents are taking a little extra time this week to express their appreciation for you. But of course, that doesn't always happen for many reasons, and many of them understandable. But hopefully this week is at least a reminder to them of just how important teachers are. If it does that, then it's worth it.

And maybe this week is a reminder that you can pay that appreciation forward, and take the time to show your own appreciation. For example:

• Acknowledge colleagues who have had a particularly meaningful impact on you, and on whom you have come to depend. Tell them that they are important and that they not only make the lives of their students better, but yours as well.
   
• Express appreciation to those who helped you fulfill your dream of becoming a teacher; parents, grandparents, former classmates and roommates, maybe even certain authors. The difference you make in the lives of your students is part of their legacy.
   
• Look up  former teachers who had a positive influence on you. Let them know that they were important to you and they are remembered.

We hope you know how much we appreciate you. We try to think of every week as Teacher Appreciation Week, but since this one is a little special, we do want to take time today to say, “Thank you.”