“Those who can, DO; those who CAN’T, teach.” I first heard this condescending quote when I was studying to become a teacher in the early ’90s. It was so deeply hurtful to a young educationalist in training that I retaliated in frustration by saying, “Those who can do, do so because of those who dedicated their lives to teach them.” The initial quote actually motivated me to prove to others that teaching is, indeed, a vital and honorable career that can have a profound impact on the lives of others.
This May 5-9 is Teacher Appreciation Week and May 6 is Teacher Appreciation Day. The week is a great time to remember the wonderful teachers who may have taught you –or to thank those teachers who are making such an indelible mark on your child’s life right now. School ratings, standardized testing, common core standards, performance-related salaries, and negativity around education in the United States often leave us forgetting about all the great work so many teachers are dedicated to doing each and every day.
I always knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher. The desire to pass along my love of learning and enthusiasm for school was such a natural inclination. Over the last 20 years, I have never doubted my career choice. In fact, each time a new school year begins I am re-energized. While I know that the year will have its highs and lows, through it all, my passion for teaching and learning remains steadfast. The vibrancy and spirit of students put a bounce in my step as I enter the school every morning. Assemblies, recitals, concerts, sporting events, and community days are exciting milestones throughout the academic year. Yet the backbone of a great school is, indeed, the teachers who set the tone, standards, and culture. Their enthusiasm, motivation, and professionalism day-in and day-out are an inspiration to me. I appreciate their dedication and endless spirit, as they aim to make the school experience such a memorable and meaningful one for students.
As a Head of School, I’m often asked by parents how they and their children can share their appreciation for the teachers in their lives. Here are my top five suggestions ― and ones that I know teachers will treasure:
1. Tell them! Believe it or not, verbal appreciation is not a common occurrence for teachers. On the few occasions students or parents do tell a teacher that they are grateful for their assistance, it has an immediate and positive impact. It can be as simple as, “Thank you for being such a great teacher,” or an expression of appreciation with more specific details. When you take the time to thank a teacher face to face, he or she will be touched.
2. Tell their supervisors. It is such a pleasure as a Head of School to receive positive feedback about teachers from both students and parents. I always pass this on to the teacher and let other administrators know. It makes quite a statement when a family goes out of the way to highlight a teacher’s great work.
3. Encourage your child to write a letter to a favorite teacher. You can arrange to have it delivered within the school or hand it directly to the teacher. Trust me, teachers keep these letters. They usually show them to colleagues and to their own family members, as receiving such feedback is not common.
4. Your child might prefer another creative means of expression rather than writing a letter, so consider alternatives such as crafting a poem, making a poster, drawing a picture, etc.
5. Donate to a charity on behalf of a special teacher. Some teachers feel uncomfortable receiving gifts of considerable value, and many schools have policies that limit monetary gifts. As teachers often have interests and passions that they share with their students, consider donating to a charity with a related mission, such as a conservation group, animal rescue, or children’s relief fund. Let the teacher know by presenting a certificate or card indicating that the gift was made in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week.
When I see smiles on my students’ faces from their interactions with teachers, I feel privileged to be around these colleagues. Acknowledging the wonderful work they do during this appreciation week– indeed, at any time during the school year– is something that will be meaningful. Don’t forget all the school staff members, too–nurses, administrative assistants, facility workers, and administrators. Teachers would not be as effective or be able to concentrate on what they do best in the classroom without the help of these essential colleagues.
Finally, don’t hesitate to contact teachers from your past, if feasible. Perhaps they’re still at the school you attended or they’re on LinkedIn or Facebook. Writing a note or an email to someone who made an impact on your life can validate their career choice. Teachers certainly don’t enter the field for the salary. Great teachers have a sincere belief that they can help children and prepare them for all that life holds. Those who can do, do so because of THOSE who dedicated their lives to teach them.
Dianne Drew is Head of School at Dwight School, a 141-year-old independent school in New York City. A native of Melbourne, Australia, she is an internationally recognized educator with over 20 years of experience in teaching, curriculum development, and educational consulting in both public and private schools in Australia, Asia, and New York City. Also serving as Vice President of the Middle Years Program for the Guild of International Baccalaureate Schools in North America, Dianne recently gave birth to her first child.
