Black Community Opinions

Local Voices: Let’s All Thank A Teacher

By John L. Horton

If your child can read, write, spell and do math, thank a teacher.

If your child has a solid foundation for learning and achieving success in life, thank a teacher.

This is an opportunity for all of us to show our support and reaffirm our commitment to the parent-student-teacher partnership.

We should not waste this opportunity. Teachers are too important.

Over the years, I have found most teachers to be caring and competent to the utmost of their abilities and talents.

I have seen teachers go the extra mile for their students. If it were important or needed, they made it happen. In coping with their students’ anxiety, alienation and ailments, I have seen teachers take on the roles of mother, father, brother, sister, friend, mentor, tutor, counselor, mediator, policeman, judge, peacemaker, preacher, nurse, organizer, director and taskmaster.

Teachers epitomize the purest sense of the helping relationship – helping others to become all that they can be. Teachers empower children to become whole, curious and optimistic. They give our children guidance, hope, inspiration and promise. They are truly our best bang for the buck. Teachers are cost-effective on a daily basis and an ongoing investment that yields great dividends. They were insuring that no child was left behind long before someone invented the slogan.

How can you show your appreciation? It’s easy:

• Write a nice note to your children’s teachers;

• Call the principal and teachers to compliment them for making a difference in your child’s life;

• Drop off doughnuts or cookies at your neighborhood school for teachers, aides, admin staff, volunteers, bus drivers, security, cafeteria and/or custodial personnel to share.

And why wait for Teacher Appreciation Day? Show your thanks throughout the school year to the women and men who are there every day for your child.

To help you think of ways to say “thank you,” here are some of my favorite verses from a couple of poems by Kevin William Huff:

…Why God created teachers,

In His wisdom and His grace,

Was to help us learn to make our world

A better, wiser place.

…For the dawn of each poet

Each philosopher and king

Begins with a Teacher

And the wisdom they bring.

This is the time and place to “thank a teacher” for all that they do.

Therefore, let us all “thank a teacher.”