May 8-12 is Teacher Appreciation Week, a time for students, parents, and alumni to celebrate educators and thank them for the amazing work they do throughout the year.

Whether helping them with their homework, showing compassion, supporting goals, believing in them, or just being a great listener when going through a difficult time, students often remember the little things that a teacher once did for them.

“We are with the kids all day and are sometimes the only positive thing they have. We have the ability to be a good role model and support people in their lives. They become like family while we have them and hopefully, we can continue to support them as they get older,” said Lisa Treese, Tyrone elementary school teacher.

It is important to celebrate teachers throughout the world especially over this week due to the influence teachers have on the younger generation’s future. Teachers facilitate learning, spread knowledge, and push students to be curious and excel in their future careers. They deserve to be acknowledged for all the hard work they put in within and after the school year.

“Teachers are with the students for a majority of their day. They can form bonds with them and be that “one special person” that a child needs in their life. Teachers can be good role models and a positive influence on the next generation,” said Heather Becker, Tyrone preschool teacher.

According to the Department of Education, “Teachers are the backbone of our democracy – fostering curiosity and creativity, building skillful individuals, and strengthening informed citizens. A great teacher in every classroom is one of the most important resources we can provide students.”

Education is truly one of the most powerful tools in society and it’s one of the main reasons why it’s so important to celebrate teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. Education shows students the importance of knowledge and hard work while also helping them grow and develop. Thus, teachers have the ability to shape a better society by teaching today’s younger generations to respect others, value creativity and individuality, and how to live a fulfilling life.

“Teachers can have a huge, positive influence on their students and help to shape their trajectories–especially in ways that affect their emotions, self-esteem, academics/grades, citizenship, independence, character, and career choices,” said Jill Dale, Tyrone middle school learning support teacher.

Teachers are more than just textbooks and lesson plans as many students may perceive them as. They truly care for their students and want to see them succeed. In many cases, teachers act as a support system for their students when they may be struggling with something whether it be inside or outside of school.

Another problem that teachers must overcome is the different types of learning styles that are found within their classrooms. Each student has his or her own way of learning and studying that may not be as beneficial for their classmates. Students may grasp certain topics or lessons more from different types of learning styles such as visual, auditory, hands-on, or even logical. Some students may also work better independently while other students may learn more when working with others.

Teachers must adapt to their students’ learning styles and incorporate different styles of learning within their lesson plans, assignments, and projects to ensure each of their students is learning and understanding what is being taught.

Teaching is a challenging career that many people take for granted. Teachers have the job of trying to balance all of their daily demands such as: helping students with their academics and social and or emotional needs, paperwork, emails, meetings, covering classes, lesson plans, etc.

Despite the job not always being easy, many teachers love what they do for the rewards it brings them.

“The biggest reward is knowing that I have done something and each child has grown and learned something through my instruction,” said Amber Creamer, Tyrone elementary school teacher.

“I love when previous students come back to say Thank you or share stories of things they remember about my class. Because I teach Preschool some students don’t even remember me, so to know that I’m remembered or that something I did in a child’s life had an impact is a great reward,” said Becker.

For Teacher Appreciation Week, students should think about the teachers who impacted their lives and think about where they would be now or even who they may be if it were not for the teachers who influenced them along the way.

Reach out to your former and present teachers who influenced your life. They chose the teaching field, not for the pay, but to help children make a difference in the world. Teachers are the people who influence and teach the future of our society. Thank your teachers for all the time and hard work they put into their job because it was never easy.

“They are just always so supportive of my dreams and push me to reach them, they always tell me what we need to hear in order to succeed. Most of my teachers help me strive to be the best I can be and that has impacted my life because I am a straight-A student in all Honors without the help of the teachers I probably wouldn’t be here because I wouldn’t have motivation but they give that to me,” said freshman Hailey Lowery.

“Many Tyrone teachers have positively impacted my life and future. They are very encouraging which helps a lot with academic growth. Many teachers have created a calm and great environment to learn and socialize with our peers and I’ll be forever grateful,” said senior MacKenzie Hyde.

“Our teachers at Tyrone are just different; they always put your needs first and really care about how you do in school. They really want you to succeed and it shows by how much effort they put into your learning,” said freshman Grace Naylor.

To gather information for this story, the Eagle Eye asked teachers in the Tyrone Area School District to share some thoughts about their profession. Students, alumni, and parents also expressed their gratitude to teachers in a separate survey.

To see the complete results of the Eagle Eye teacher survey, click the link below:

Teacher Appreciation Week Survey Responses