Gratitude for Teachers
What’s special about Facing History classrooms? For many students, the top answer is their teachers.
Each year, the first full week in May marks Teacher Appreciation Week. As we take time this week to recognize all of the hard work teachers do throughout the year, here are what some Facing History alums have shared with us about the impact their teachers have made on them.
“I definitely think she saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. She planted these little seeds—important lessons that have now become lifetime learning opportunities.” - Raegan Miller, speaking about her Facing History teacher Mary Sok
Raegan Miller, Student Upstander
“I didn’t have the most confidence in the world when I was in high school. I really struggled with writing papers. My advisor Paul just told me, ‘You need to believe in yourself. You need to remind yourself that you can do this.' Those reminders from Paul, with him not doubting my abilities and motivating me to actually believe in myself, had the greatest impact.” - Yenny Bautista, Facing History Alum
Facing History helped me realize that when you know somebody’s story, it’s impossible to see them as anything other than human. . . . How do I work alongside people who don’t share my personal and political views? I do what Facing History taught me to do: I humanize.” - Melanie Arroyave, recalling the lessons of her Facing History class with Mr. Woods
Melanie Arroyave, Facing History Alum
“Today, because of Facing History and my incredible teachers, I am proud to say that I am the educator I dreamed of becoming when I was in high school.” - Hannah Nguyen, Facing History Alum and Educator
It’s clear, our educators are incredibly dedicated professionals who take the training and curriculum Facing History provides and do the work of integrating our approach and bringing it to life for their students.
The lessons that Facing History develops deal with some of the most difficult moments in history. Being a Facing History educator requires helping students grapple with thorny ethical questions while instructing them to critically think and thoroughly examine the lessons of history. All of this necessitates a level of care and planning that asks more of our educators.
To thank our educators and the tremendous work they do to usher in the next generation of upstanders, we encourage you to show gratitude to the teachers in your life. And don’t feel hemmed in by Teacher Appreciation Week—anytime is the perfect time to let teachers know how much they add to our lives.
Here are some ways to send some cheer a teacher’s way. Anyone, from parents to students to community members, can join in.
- Write a heartfelt thank you note: These notes can be given in person or sent via email.
- Provide classroom supplies: Teachers often spend their own money on classroom supplies. Contribute by donating essential materials or gift cards to alleviate some of the financial burden.
- Take the time to share positive feedback about the teacher with school administrators. This can boost recognition of teacher efforts and contribute to their professional growth.
- Show up for them: Whether it’s attending parent-teacher conferences, offering to volunteer at a school function, or showing your support for them at community events, everyone can find ways to engage in meaningful conversations with teachers and support their work.
- And when in doubt, support Facing History! Your gift directly contributes to the professional learning and support we offer teachers.