Teachers are among the most important workers in every society, preparing younger generations for the future and making the world go round. Every year, teachers are celebrated for their important contribution to society during the first full week of May. 

   This year, Teacher Appreciation Week falls on May 6-10. During this time, students often bring gifts for their teachers to provide a physical representation of their acknowledgment. Desk accessories, supplies and occasionally, hand-written cards with thoughtful student-written messages are common offerings.

   “Most teachers I know feel most appreciated and recognized by the simplest gesture of a handwritten note that is genuine and heartfelt,” Campus Instructional Coach Mrs. Linehan said. “Personally, I keep all these notes in a ‘smile file’ where I can look back and reflect on all the students who I have had the pleasure of teaching.” 

   Teachers spend around 40 hours with their students every week, so a connection is almost guaranteed, especially in schools with fewer students.

   “At some of my past schools, the community wasn’t as involved, but here there is a greater intentionality,” English and creative writing teacher Mr. Varvel said. “The community and engagement here really helps make [Teacher Appreciation Week] a big deal for us teachers.”

   Varvel, who has been teaching for around nine years, still remembers the make-shift award from the students he taught during his first year. 

   “There was this group of students that I’d been coaching for speaking events,” Varvel said. “We were going through the awards ceremony and, in the spur of the moment, they wrote something along the lines of ‘Best Coach Ever’ on a piece of paper and got on stage and presented it.”

   It isn’t just about the content of the gifts, but also what they signify to the teacher. Even just taking time out of a student’s day to thank their teachers can leave a lasting impact.

   “If you have a teacher who you think has had a positive impact on your life, I encourage you to reach out and share that with them,” Linehan said. “It is the most rewarding experience to know that you have made a positive difference in the life of another.”