Teacher Appreciation
Story by Janet Marcel
“Last spring, government leaders began determining who qualified as an “essential” worker during the lockdowns. Unsung heroes in so many industries surfaced as essential to the continued operation of the nation, state and local community. Educators quickly rose to the top of the list as school communities raced to develop distance learning plans to continue the education process. This was no surprise because our teachers have always been essential to student formation – spiritually, academically and socially. From day one of the pandemic, our teachers have stretched themselves to new limits as they embraced new technology and teaching methods, adjusted to changing phases and protocols, and continued to maintain a sense of “normalcy” in the classrooms so that students could have the best possible experience. The success of this school year is attributed to our unwavering faith in God and the heroic efforts of the entire faculty and staff at E. D. White Catholic.” Michelle Chiasson, principal E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux
National Teacher Appreciation Week, a celebration in recognition of teachers and the contributions they make to education and society, is May 2-8, 2021. Teacher Appreciation Day, which is May 4, 2021, is described by the National Education Association (NEA), which spearheads the weeklong event, as “a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.” This celebration is held every year to provide an opportunity for students, parents, and school principals to show their appreciation for the hard work teachers do and the long hours many of them put in. Teachers and staff have had to deal with a difficult situation over the past year and certainly deserve extra recognition for their understanding and commitment. It would be an understatement to say that this past year has been particularly challenging on all school personnel, students, parents, and especially teachers. After the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a national emergency in March 2020, Governor John Bel Edwards issued a proclamation that closed all public K-12 schools. In the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Catholic school
36 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2021
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“As I reflect on what our teachers have done during this school year, I find it difficult to find the right words. Looking back on March 13, 2020, when we received word that the school was closing, the teachers immediately began to prepare for the unknown, which was distance learning. I can actually say that at first the teachers worked through fear and uncertainty as this journey began but soon confronted the new challenge with every ounce of energy and dedication they possessed. Collaboration began immediately as teachers were supporting teachers, and teachers were supporting parents and students. Everyone worked together, never complaining and never giving up our goal. Our goal was to master the task of educating in a new way, while assuring the learning gap would be minimal. These teachers are super heroes that will never get the true recognition they deserve.” Lydia Landry, principal St. Bernadette Catholic School, Houma
