Thank a Teacher!

Teachers are the foundation to the next generation. A great teacher does more than just help a child learn, they inspire creativity and spark new interests in all aspects of life. Inside and outside of school, teachers are encouraging students to find learning moments everywhere they go to expand their thought process and grow as an individual.

I realize for a student of any age that the simple act of sitting in a desk for an extended period of time can seem daunting. There is a lot expected of you as a student, note taking, class participation, homework, and let's not forget gym class. Which may not seem like such an important subject, but after hours at a desk, you’ll want to learn how to stretch and stay fit properly. All of these tasks that you do throughout the day, starting as a student in elementary school all the way through college, are contributing to a successful future lifestyle.

Teachers must challenge students and use their intuition and tailor each lesson to ensure the best outcome for each student. With an average of 20 students in each classroom, that’s a lot dedication! Their day is longer than we think. Sure, school begins roughly around 8:00 am, however, most teachers arrive at school at least an hour early to prepare for the day and stay at least an hour late grading the day's work and then formulating another lesson plan for the next day. That dedication and patience is well worth the time when they see a student succeed.

Teachers will influence a student’s life in one way or another. We should all take some time to thank a teacher that has inspired you, in any way. Perhaps they pushed you out of your comfort zone and you found a whole new world because of it.  Maybe they showed you a new way to study and your grades and skill level improved, or it might be they encouraged you to take a chance on anything, because after all, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take!

Check out some of our role models’ most inspiring teachers!