To Our Teachers on National Teacher Day

On this National Teacher Appreciation Day, let me express my deepest gratitude for the work you do every day for kids. While the teaching profession has recently been fodder for criticism in the media and among legislators, I know better.

I know that the work you do is vitally important.

I know you give of your own money to buy supplies for your classroom. I know you buy  food and clothing for your students in need, more often than most people realize.

I know that you work with some students who don’t come to school with the advantages or motivation we wish they would have. I know that does not matter to you, that you persevere because you get joy from seeing your kids succeed.

I know you spend countless hours planning lessons and grading papers. I know this drives your spouse crazy, but there’s no way you’re going to go into a day unprepared.

I know that our kids get a world class education and leave us ready for college and careers because of the foundation laid by all our teachers, K-12.

I know that you teach our kids to be caring, responsible, empathetic and generous people, and that the character they develop because of your example is rivaled only by their intellectual achievement.

I know that you make a difference every day.

Thanks for all that you do, and enjoy your day!