Ty Ankrom
Every year, the National PTA celebrates teachers by designating the first week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week.
This observance, first held in 1984, is an opportunity to recognize the men and women who dedicate themselves to educating the next generation.
I like to think that I appreciate my fellow educators every day, but it’s nice to have a week set aside just for them. (The week includes Bus Driver Appreciation Day on Monday.)
Education is not an easy field of work. While there are those who think educators have easy days, starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m., and the summer months off, they would be mistaken.
Yes, the “workday” may end at 3 but teachers don’t stop then. After school, teachers grade papers and serve as advisors and coaches. Many teachers give up their free time to help a student with a personal issue.
Education is not an easy field. It’s for people who care and want to make a difference.
Many teachers – probably most, if one took a survey – spend their own money on classroom supplies and on things that students might need.
Too many students come from homes where three meals a day is not the norm and teachers reach into their own pockets to help these kids.
Education is not an easy field. Truly good teachers (and educators) adapt what they do to meet the needs of students.
They understand our purpose and mission must be to do what is necessary so students have the best possible opportunity to achieve at their optimal level. Any decision that is made should only be determined after asking: Is this best for kids?
Education is not an easy field. But those good educators make it look easy because they care. And their actions make a difference for so many young people.
Thank you, to all of you who chose to be an educator.
Ty Ankrom is the superintendent of the Pickaway County Educational Service Center.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
