Teacher Appreciation week, which takes place this year from May 8th through May 12th, is a reminder to intentionally show our love and appreciation for the educators who show up day after day for our students. Few of us who are not teachers ourselves can truly grasp the magnitude of the time, energy, and love our teachers pour out through their work, but we can at least start by saying, “Thank you!”
 
We recently talked to several families who shared how much teachers mean to them and how much they appreciate the influence they have in the lives of their children. Here are a few words from local parents:
 
From a parent at Meadow Glade Adventist Elementary School: “Crysti Taylor has a heart of gold and truly cares about our child as if he is her own. She is structured yet kind, patient yet persistent. She keeps our student moving and ever working hard to grow while learning. She’s truly one of a kind and will always be very special to our entire family!”
 
From a parent at Rivergate Adventist Elementary School: “We love that our daughter Sofia has such an encouraging and caring teacher. She has helped Sofia develop her artistic style all while improving her overall academic performance. And we so appreciate our daughter Elsie’s teacher who always seems to take such joy in her students. She is so organized, thoughtful, and has helped her flourish.”
 
From a parent at Hood View Adventist School: “We love Mrs. McGinnis! She is an expert at meeting kids where they are at and getting them where they need to be, and she has a beautiful skill in creating a happy classroom culture and in educating kids for eternity. Her Bible lessons have made a deep impression on our daughter, who has come home and amazed us with what she’s learned in school. As parents we really value how well Mrs. McGinnis communicates with us. We always know what’s going on and how our child is doing.”
 
From a parent at Livingstone Adventist Academy: “The thing that I appreciate most about the high school teachers at LAA is the way they are all in to help the students in making their experiences memorable. They really have the students’ best interest at heart, even if they don't think so at the time. They put in a lot of their own personal time to make sure that our students get everything they can out of every experience.”
 
Another parent from Livingstone shared: “As parents, my wife and I appreciate Mrs. Sequeira’s way of giving our child a good sense of responsibility and ownership for her work. She has built a safe environment in her classroom. Recently, when one of the girls had a delicate surgery, Mrs. S. made sure all the kids understood what their friend was going through, brought some of us to pray with them, and I know she was on top of what the girl’s family needed.”
 
Several students shared reflections on what their teachers mean to them, too.
 
From a student at Portland Adventist Academy: “One of the things that I appreciate most about pastor Stephen is that he really makes me think deeply about topics. Also, it is extremely obvious to all of us how much he cares for all of his students.”
 
At Columbia Adventist Academy, four students shared what they loved about their biology teacher, Stephanie Benna. “She is always willing to help, no matter what,” “She is always willing to help and puts us before herself, “I appreciate how selfless Mrs. Benna is,” and “She is always helpful.”
 
Three young students at Scappoose Adventist School shared these thoughts about their teachers: “She always helps me when I need something and she gives really good hugs if I need them,” “What I like most about my teacher is that she loves us. She does fun things with us and also, she does kind things for us,” and “She’s always the most fun teacher. I love how she’s always there and how she’s always happy and that she always gives hugs.”
 
Principal Girlie Aguilar of the Scappoose Adventist School added, “SAS celebrates teachers every day during Teacher Appreciation Week. Every day they receive a present, flowers, or gift cards. Our home and school group provides breakfast to all of our teachers. Each classroom has a parent in charge of putting together a gift for their child’s teacher. Our teachers are blessed with a very supportive community. We do not only celebrate teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week but every day.”
 
Are there teachers in your life you could be encouraging? Sometimes we forget to tell people just how much they mean to us. So this is your reminder! Reach out to a teacher today and let them know you care about them. – It doesn’t have to be Teacher Appreciation Week to let them know just how much they matter to you and your children.
 
And from all of us here at the Oregon Conference office––thank you, teachers, for the incredible ministry you do alongside your students every single day!