National Teacher Appreciation Week

This week, we recognize National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9) and National Teachers’ Day (May 6). Local educators will be shown seemingly endless gestures of kindness and gratitude from students, parents, and the administration. There will be cheering groups of appreciative members of the community to greet teachers entering school buildings, backyard garden, store-bought bouquets, handwritten and Hallmark cards, and special lunches brought in and paid for by local parent groups. These are all well-deserved and will surely be well-received. But is there something more we could do collectively to celebrate these dedicated folks?

What if we support them fully, and where it really counts?

We live in strange times – one in which there is a serious effort underway by the federal government to dismantle the Department of Education. With staff being laid off and divisions being gutted, students across the country stand to be negatively impacted, and teachers will be expected to handle the fallout with professionalism and grace. Local schools are experiencing uncertainty brought on by possible unexpected budget cuts should funding be removed with little notice.

How can you help? Speak up locally and become a vocal presence at local school committees and town budget meetings. Write, call, and text your local, state, and federal representatives. Ensure that state and federal funding continues to support your regional schools. Ask local teachers, paraprofessionals, and administration what kind of assistance they need.

Show a little love all year long. Attend school presentations, walk the halls during art nights, buy tickets for you and a friend for school performances, show town pride, and cheer for your home team. Acknowledge the hard work and dedication that staff put into educating our children and developing our future leaders all year long. When you post on social media with pride at your child’s recent achievement, give a shout-out to the teacher who encouraged their growth and fostered their curiosity. Check in with classroom staff and ask if there is any outside help or supplies you could provide. Volunteer within the school and classroom. Be a visible presence. Show up.

Yes – by all means – celebrate teachers this week and offer cheers, flowers, and a celebratory meal. But stand up, speak up, and follow through. The heart of our school system needs your support, now more than ever. Turn your appreciation into action, the gift that keeps on giving.

-Betsy