Teacher Appreciation Week: May 8-12
May 4, 2017
Today is National Teacher Appreciation Day and the Orleans Parish School Board is excited to celebrate all teachers. As Superintendent, I often talk about student success and achievement. The reality is that our students are able to learn and excel because of the incredible support from our teachers.
Over that past decade, our teachers have pushed themselves to learn new and innovative ways to engage students and raise achievement. Every day, you plan and prepare to meet the many challenges of teaching. You tirelessly work to support students at all levels and to provide supportive yet rigorous instruction for all learners. Your role as a teacher is not easy nor confined to a classroom; you understand that teachable moments can occur anywhere. You care about the lives of your students and believe that every student deserves a quality education. You simply do not accept failures or excuses. Your impact as a teacher extends far after a student graduates and transitions to college or career.
As I reflect on my own personal student experiences and career, I can identify teachers who mentored and challenged me to become the best student, critical thinker, and citizen I could be. My experience is not unique. Teachers possess that passion and motivation to pull the very best out of students each day.
On behalf of the Orleans Parish School Board, I want to thank you for doing the most important work of all in our district – educating the next generation. While May 8-12 is designated as official Teacher Appreciation Week, I want you to know that you are appreciated and respected every day of the year.
Thank you for listening and caring about our students.
Thank you for modeling excellence each and every day.
Thank you for being a Teacher.
Henderson Lewis, Jr., Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
