Teacher Appreciation 2022
Since it's after 3 PM (east coast), I guess Teacher Appreciation Week is officially over. However, the time to thank our teachers does not run out this week. There is always time to show our appreciation for the women and men who educate our children. Which is why, even though this has been a crazy and hellish week (not worthy of a blog post), I wrote two letters today.
The first was to my
son's history teachers. Not just his current teacher, but four who have
individually help him to get to where he is today. To all of them I
said:
"As I write this email, my son
is (hopefully) in the midst of taking his AP US History exam. While I
cannot predict the numerical outcome (although aren’t we all hoping/praying for
a 5?), I know that he is well prepared. With all of the Thursday evening
prep sessions (which, Mr. M, go above and beyond), I know he and his classmate
are ready for this challenge.
"But his ability to
tackle this exam is not just based on this year’s class. (No matter how
good a class it may be Mr. M). He arrived here thanks to the foundation
that was formed by Ms. M back in 8th grade and was
nurtured in high school by Ms. S and Ms. W. You all have played an
integral part in James’ education (and more). Without each of you, he
would not be where he is today. (And I’m not just talking about sitting
at a desk sweating over an exam.)
"My son has always had a
love/fascination with history. You each have not just taught him history,
you have encouraged him and helped him to grow into the young man that he is
today.
"My thanks to each of you
for your work and dedication. In my mind, you exemplify what education is
all about."
The second letter was sent to the
Principals at the high school about a new teacher. (She was copied as
well.)
"As Teacher Appreciation week
wraps up, I feel that it is vital that I shine a light on an unsung (pun
intended?) hero at our school Ms. N.
"While the
Town Music Program is (deservedly) well known, the focus has always been on
instrumental music. While choir was starting to gain recognition under
the direction of Ms. M (the reason why my son decided to continue with choir in
high school), her leave of absence (and eventual resignation) and the pandemic
nearly destroyed the program.
"When Ms. N
came on board this fall, I was hopeful. She immediately got the choir
involved in the community. After two school days (and classes), she had
the choir singing that Saturday at the 9/11 service in town. Since
that time the choir has also performed at the town’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony as
well as town holiday fair. She had plans for caroling at the high school,
which, along with the winter concert, were squashed by Covid, but her
enthusiasm and dedication has NEVER wavered. Under her guidance, the
choirs have participated in a University Choral Festival and done an in house
workshop. Before the month of May is over the choir will have performed
two concerts for the community at large. These accomplishments in less
than a year while still dealing with Covid are nothing short of
miraculous. Her passion for music and her devotion to her students has
brought new life to the vocal music program.
"In less than
a year, Ms. N has proved herself to be an incredible asset to the music
department, the school and the entire community. I am extremely grateful
that my son has had the opportunity to be a part of the choir under her
direction and know that next year, his senior year, will offer even more
opportunities because of her."
I share these letters
here not to show off my letter writing skills (they are nothing to shout
about), but to encourage you to share and show your appreciation to the
teachers in your life, even if they don't actually hold the "title"
of teacher.
I was blessed with some
wonderful teachers in my life. So has my son. It's important that
we let our educators know how much they mean to us. We all know a little
appreciation can go a long way. Any week is the perfect time to
recognize that teacher in your life. Take the time to do so.
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