Op-Ed: Happy Teacher Appreciation Week To Those Always There for Our Children

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Megan Tuttle, NEA-NH President

By Megan Tuttle, NEA-NH President

It’s National Teacher Appreciation Week and the time once again to celebrate those who prepare our children for the brightest future they can achieve.

Ask any teacher why we work in our schools, and we will tell you it is because we believe in our students and want them to succeed in whatever future they choose.

Ask us why we became teachers, and many will say that it is the career we always dreamed of. We may tell you about the teachers that had a lasting impact on our lives; the ones that listened, that cared, that helped us master a tough lesson or subject, or helped us find our voice and way through the tumultuous times that were our childhood and adolescence. We may tell you about a family member who was a teacher and how we wished to carry on their noble work.

What all teachers have in common is that we care about kids.

I have been a teacher for 18 years and am president of the largest union of educators in New Hampshire. I am also a parent with children in our public schools. I know my children’s teachers are there for them beyond the classroom. I see them at sporting events and performances supporting my children and all the other students in their classroom. When I was diagnosed with cancer, I made sure to let my children’s teachers know, because I was confident they could help my kids get through the school day with this new reality and would let me know if any of them were struggling.

My children’s teachers are partners with me, communicating regularly and sharing the common goal of bringing out the success story that is in each of them – and in every child in our schools. I trust and support the teachers who are helping my children grow and succeed. They, and all the other educators across our country, are the ones we celebrate this week.  

No matter where we live, we all agree that public education is the gateway to opportunity. All students have the human and civil right to a quality public education that develops their potential, independence, and character. Public education is vital to building respect for the worth, dignity, and equality of every individual in our diverse society. And great teachers are vital to public education.

Great teachers bring powerful learning experiences to students through innovative, engaging, and personalized approaches to teaching and learning that prepare them to lead fulfilling, successful lives.

Teachers should be celebrated and supported this week, and throughout the year, with salaries, respect, and legislation that reflects the importance of the work they do, and the value of the students they teach.

Megan Tuttle, NEA-NH President

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