SDE Update

Thank Alabama Teachers

Dr. Eric Mackey, Alabama State Department of Education

For the last couple of years, the Alabama State Department of Education, along with the Office of Governor Kay Ivey, has acknowledged “Thank Alabama Teachers” week as an observation that puts a specific spotlight on the work and commitment of Alabama educators. This year, we want to extend that observation throughout the entire month of November, as we continue the tradition of setting aside time to say a simple, “thank you” to our teachers. Alabama teachers are the drivers of our state’s economy, the protectors of our state’s most valuable resource, and the preparers of our state’s future. The sacrifice and dedication that teachers show in Alabama classrooms every day is invaluable. Still, this recognition is but a small token of our appreciation for the countless hours that teachers have committed to the cause of an educated workforce and society.

Too often overlooked, educators keep the gears turning on the economic engine of our nation. More than just reading, writing, and arithmetic; teachers impact our students in many ways and often set the tone for the experiences our children have throughout their formative years in school. In fact, although teachers teach the standards and make sure students are knowledgeable about the disciplines they must know to be successful after high school, often it’s the advice, encouragement, support, and guidance that teachers provide that impacts their lives as much as anything that comes from a book.

While there is no amount of monetary compensation that could adequately pay teachers for the difference their work makes, I do encourage everyone to be intentional about recognizing, supporting, and thanking Alabama teachers. Often a kind word or a friendly gesture is enough to make a teacher feel appreciated. I encourage parents to take a moment to reach out to your child’s teacher and tell them how much the nurturing environment their child learns in is appreciated. Social media is a predominate form of communication these days. I encourage everyone to take to social media to express how much you appreciate your local school and the people who make that school run every day.

Whether you send a hand-written note to school by your child, send a message through social media, or use any of the apps now available to communicate with teachers, please be intentional about giving teachers an encouraging word. It doesn’t have to be your child’s teacher. Throughout any given LEA, it is a network of individuals who make the entire school work seamlessly. Contributions from coaches, administrators, counselors, nurses, support staff, parents, and others work collectively to create a beautiful tapestry of learning and growing. All these positions are in place to support the job of the star player, the indispensable individual, the one who creates the magic – the classroom teacher.

Thank You Graphic

As we work to put the impact that COVID-19 had on our lives and communities in the rearview mirror, let us not forget one of the most valuable lessons of the entire pandemic… we need Alabama teachers. Through unimaginable circumstances, our teachers used innovation, grit, and pure determination to continue to educate children through unforeseen and challenging circumstances. For many, it was the darkest parts of the COVID experience that brought to mind how incredibly important and vital teachers are to life as we know it. Let’s all make sure we THANK ALABAMA TEACHERS; not only for the designated month that we observe and celebrate teachers in Alabama, but all year long.