Gratitude Never Goes Out of Style

Each year an entire week is dedicated to celebrating those individuals who give of themselves to serve our future. What started as national teacher appreciation day in the 1950s (thank you Eleanor Roosevelt) officially became Teacher Appreciation Week in 1980s. In the time since the initiation of this celebration the field of education has become exponentially more complex. Technology, globalization and social complexities evolve year after year, yet our educators persist. Their deep, meaningful understanding of student developmental needs amongst an ever-changing landscape forces them to approach each minute of every day with intentionality. And they continue to deliver.

Teachers want each of our children – their students – to be better prepared for their future tomorrow then they are today. In order to prioritize the needs of the greater good, they inherently – and often unknowingly – deprioritize needs of their own. The time they put in planning, collaborating, and communicating is time they invest for the benefit of us all. This is time that they never get back. But they know that is the job, and they continue to answer the call. Educators hold themselves to an incredible standard. They measure their own success in the self-awareness, self-confidence and growth of our children. They see every step forward as progress, and serve as the social and emotional safety net for every child. Teaching is wonderful and exhausting and gratifying and never-ending.

To be clear, Teacher Appreciation Week is not just for parents of school-aged children. If you can access this post, a teacher cared about you. Whether it is your child’s teacher or a teacher from your own past, it is time to give thanks. Organizations such as Teachers of Tomorrow and Teach for America publish incentives and offers for those who commit to the giving profession. On a more local scale, from handwritten notes to grand gestures of appreciation we can each find a personalized way to remind our teachers and educators just how much we appreciate the important role they play in our lives.

Now that we are well into May teachers and educators across the country can see the end of the school year drawing nearer. Many are preparing for a well-deserved summer of reflection, recovery and rejuvenation. Now, when their energy may be waning, let us pick them up. Appreciation Week has ended, but our gratitude continues. If you have not already done so this week please a few moments to offer sincere appreciation to the educators who put the needs of others ahead of their own. We have great teachers. Let us never take them for granted.

Guest Blogger Brett Marcoux is President at Springer School and Center.