Each year, Teacher Appreciation Week offers a moment to collectively pause and reflect on the role teachers play in shaping not only the minds of our students, but also their sense of self, their future paths, and their belief in what’s possible. As I walk through classrooms, listen to hallway conversations, or watch students engage with curiosity and confidence, I am reminded that teaching truly is a work of heart.
It is easy to admire the structure of a well-crafted lesson plan or the skill behind classroom management. But what often goes unseen are the countless emotional investments teachers make each day—the encouraging words, the patient explanations, the ability to sense when a student needs extra support or a listening ear. These moments rarely make headlines, but they are the heartbeat of every school.......of our school.
This week, I have been thinking about how many hats teachers wear: instructor, mentor, cheerleader, counselor, and sometimes just a steady presence in the chaos of adolescence. A teacher's work is deeply human. It is not transactional. It is relational. Because of that, It is not always easy to quantify, but it is absolutely essential in the lives of our students.
As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, I hope we all take time to recognize the profound influence educators have on the lives they touch. Not just for what they teach, but for how they lead—with empathy, passion, and unwavering commitment. Teaching is not just about delivering content; it about making connections. It is about heart.
I am fortunate to have had many teachers throughout my life who wore those different hats. As much as they taught me about content, they taught me what it meant to be caring, compassionate, accountable, responsible and dedicated to others. Those teachers were always present. They were always encouraging. They were always "teaching." Every year during Teacher Appreciation Week, I reach out to a few of them and remind them of the role they played in shaping who I am today. I encourage you to do the same.
In a world that is constantly changing, one constant remains: great teachers make a lasting difference. Thank you to our PTHS Teachers and to all teachers who help guide the way for our future. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. #nocknation
I include this clip from "Boy Meets World" in my newsletter every year around Teacher Appreciation Week because it symbolizes the lasting impact that a teacher can have on their students....and the students can have on their teacher. Enjoy!
