It's never too late to say thank you to a teacher

(Published Sunday, May 11, 2008 in Examiner-Enterprise)

Though the special day has already passed, its sentiment shouldn't be forgotten.

Tuesday marked National Teacher Appreciation Day, a date on which people throughout the country were encouraged to express their gratitude toward the instructor or instructors who have helped to make a positive impact on their lives.

Within the Bartlesville Public School District , we have a wide array of teachers who work tirelessly every day to ensure we live up to our motto: “Excellence in Education.” They work out of a passion for learning and education. They work to build a better future for our community, our country and the world in general. They work because they have a burning desire to see the young people in their respective classrooms succeed.

If you were remiss in saying thank you to a teacher on Tuesday, then why not take the opportunity today. Perhaps you'll see one of those instructors leading a Sunday school class. Or, maybe you'll run across one on Monday and you can express your gratitude. It's never too late to provide warm acknowledgement of a job well done.

According to information gathered from the National Education Association, the history of National Teacher Appreciation Day is a little unclear. In the 1940s, an Arkansas teacher, Mattye Whyte Woodridge, began a campaign to develop a national day to honor instructors by contacting political and educational leaders. One of the people to whom Woodridge wrote was former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who in 1953 persuaded the 81st United States Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day.

The NEA lobbied congress in 1980 to proclaim another National Teacher Day, which it did – for that year alone. But the NEA continued the celebration, observing National Teacher Day on the first Tuesday every March until 1985. The National Parent-Teacher Association then established Teacher Appreciation Week as the first full week of May and the NEA voted to make the Tuesday of that week National Teacher Day.

I applaud the efforts of Woodridge, congress, the NEA and the National Parent-Teacher Association. Instructors throughout the country – and the world – certainly deserve to be recognized for all that they do. But though we won't be observing another Teacher Appreciation Week – or National Teacher Day, for that matter – for another year, let's keep the spirit of those dates alive as long as we can. Our teachers are well worth it.

Whenever people are asked to name the most influential people in their lives, they often pause and begin a short period of reflection. Then, more often than not, one of the first names that springs from their mouths is that of a teacher. Sports hold a special place in the hearts of our nation and some of our best coaches have become almost mythical figures. Think of Vince Lombardi, Casey Stengel or “Red” Auerbach. They are considered great men and great coaches. Of course, at the essence of any good coach is a teacher. They must educate their players and then push them to achieve great things. In sports, great things are achieved on the field or court. In life, teachers help youngsters to achieve their goals in a multitude of areas – in an office, in a courtroom, in a hospital or perhaps in a classroom, where the splendid cycle is able to repeat itself.

The National Teacher Appreciation Day will come back around next year during the first full week of May. Instructors will again be lauded, and that's as it should be. Though patience is a virtue – and I'm sure I learned that lesson from a teacher – some things shouldn't have to wait.