Educator Appreciation Week – May 7-11, 2018

Educator Appreciation Week is next week. I immediately began thinking about the question, “How do you let people know that you really appreciate them?” Is it enough to simply thank them and then have the day move on with the regular activities? Or, is there a way to sincerely let people know you appreciate them and their work? Not surprisingly, when you Google appreciation quotations, many of them have to do with the impact an educator has on the life of a child.

 

Everyone appreciates someone, or something… it’s the expression of appreciation that is being reflected on here. Further than the words of appreciation can reach, it is the daily actions that reflect respect and appreciation that stick with people and convince them that you are sincere. It is our daily desire to show this kind of respect for the teachers and staff of our district — whom we collectively view and value as educators.

 

I am thankful for the people around me. Those who can ignore my obvious flaws and look to the good things that come from the efforts of my work. In this reciprocal relationship, I choose to see the good works of those around me, our teachers and staff — the people who offer so much of themselves to the students they come into contact with daily. District 142 educators develop relationships, cultivate curiosity, and lead children towards a more mature form of themselves. For this, I am thankful and deeply appreciative.

 

I searched earnestly for the perfect quotation about appreciation that would genuinely convey my gratitude for this amazing District 142 community. I realized that there are not enough words to adequately envelop such a wide-ranging staff of committed individuals. So, I’ve listed just a few, for slow reading and reflection. I’ve added a few thoughts after each. Enjoy!

 

Train your mind to find the good in every situation~ this means there typically is a good and bad in every situation. Most situations are not life or death, but they can be the difference between a good existence and one that is not. I love the word “train,” it takes work to find authentic good and not just a fairytale version of it. I also love the fact that this can be improved over time with hard work!

 

Always remember that someone’s effort is a reflection of their interest in you~ being present, really present for someone is an act of appreciation. When adults show up for kids, it leaves an impression, a good one. I also feel this is true for adults. When you show up for someone, maybe when you don’t really need to be there, it shows both interest and appreciation for them as people.

 

To the world you may be just a teacher, but to your students you are a hero~ it’s about perspective. It’s about kids. It’s about the work we do to help someone else have a better shot at a fulfilling life. The best appreciation any educator ever receives is from a student who comes back to find them, letting them know that they made a difference in their lives!

As we embark on Educator Appreciation Week, to our District 142 educators: thank you for your service to our students, to our schools, and to our community! We hope to demonstrate our appreciation through our daily consideration and actions. Thanks for all you do!