Take A Moment To Thank A Teacher

Just about every week of the year is set aside to honor and celebrate some group or organization, most of which are largely ignored unless you are directly involved.  However this week we salute a profession that is clearly deserving of at least acknowledgement especially when you consider what most of them had to deal with during the pandemic.

Tomorrow is National Teacher Day when we show our appreciation for the nearly 4 million full-time public and private school teachers in the U.S.  Established in 1953 by Eleanor Roosevelt it did not become an official national day until 1980 and is now observed on the Tuesday during the first full week of May which is also Teacher Appreciation Week.

Many of us do have considerable respect for those who are or have shaped the minds of our kids.  My two adult children were fortunate in getting a great start to their education journey by having the now retired Ruth Ogle as their kindergarten teacher at Beachwood Elementary School. All the way through their senior year in high school our dealings with teachers were positive experiences.

My respect for teachers is partly if not largely due to the fact that my wife was one.  She began her career as a Special Education teacher at Manchester Township High School before moving to guidance which was her real calling.  Jane was very well aware of the challenges teachers often face and appreciative of the ones our children had.  She was also blessed to work with dedicated teachers who became her best friends.

As parents we entrust our children with these women and men from the time they are 6 until 18.  Many go above and beyond to help their students, giving up their own time to make a difference.  Like every other profession there is good and not-so-good so I’ll reserve my praise for those like Cy Dunn, an English teacher I had at Central Regional who made a positive impact on me.

Thank you teachers!