“The best teachers show us where to look but don’t tell us what to see.”  This message hangs in the staff area of College Prep as a reminder that our greatest mission is to guide individual potential.

Tuesday, May 5, marks the official 2020 Teacher Appreciation Day and most will celebrate this week honoring and remembering the teachers who have impacted and played pivotal roles in our lives. This year’s pandemic has given us a new appreciation for teachers, highlighting the amount of time and patience they put into each child they serve. Tirelessly working and planning and then altering their plans to accommodate online learning and the strange end to this academic year, the support and care they give to their students continues.  And although we miss the daily personal interaction within the classroom, the College Prep team has gone above and beyond to make this transition seamless, continuing to inspire our students to utilize the skills they have developed and are developing to reach their potential. 

Some local businesses will offer freebies during Teacher Appreciation Week, but the most rewarding gift a teacher can receive is a personal acknowledgment, a thank you for the effort they have put into YOUR development.  Take a moment to let a teacher in your life know that you appreciate who they are and who they are helping you to become.  If you are looking for creative ways to thank your teacher, you could offer a handwritten note or a thank you video, acknowledge them on social media, send them a gift card for books, office supplies, Teachers Pay Teachers website, or a nice dinner out (or for pick-up), or make a donation in their name to AASF or another meaningful organization.

Learning is a life-long adventure and it is the guidance of our teachers that directs us on our paths of curiosity. Whether it is a seemingly insurmountable challenge, a kind word of encouragement, a new perspective, or a little extra support when you need it, let the teachers in your life know that you appreciate the time and creativity they put into you and your learning experiences. 

Happy Learning!