Teacher Appreciation Week

The week of May 7, 2018 has been designated Teacher Appreciation Week. It is traditionally the first full week in May and has been created to pay tribute to the work of teachers as an important cog in the fabric of American society. Teaching, after all, is the career that prepares students for all other careers. This year has been a very trying one for America’s teachers. In West Virginia, Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma and elsewhere, teachers have been protesting for not only long overdue increase in salary, but for funds to be allocated to improve school building infrastructure and to purchase updated books and materials.

For teachers at the Marjorie Stoneman Douglass High School in Parkland, Florida, it had to deal with the aftermath of an unspeakable tragedy, a lone gunman opening fire with an automatic weapon on the defenseless student body.

While it might be nice to make a card or bring snacks to school to show appreciation, there are more significant things to do. Teachers often purchase needed supplies and pay for them out of their own pockets. Parents and students can purchase the supplies for the school.  Groups can initiate “Gofundme” campaigns for supplies, books, field trips and such. Parent and community groups can attend school board meetings and advocate on behalf of the teachers so that they have the supplies they need to be successful educators and work in an environment that is safe for all students, teachers and administrators.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

C.2018 J. Margolis