To all NISD teachers,
Last Friday night, I had the wonderful privilege of
introducing our newest NISD Teachers of the Year at our INSPIRE
Celebration. The room was full of
exemplar educators from all over our District, and the winners, Maggie Walsh
from Beck Elementary and Joanna Kysar from Chisholm Trail Middle School are
both well deserving of such an honor. Besides recognizing each school’s own Teacher
of the Year, we said good-bye to our retirees that have served our District so
well for so long. It was quite a night
and everyone there was worthy of recognition.
On the eve of “Teacher Appreciation Week”, I can’t help but
believe that everyone that was recognized at INSPIRE would tell you that there
are many more back on their campus that are just as deserving, if not
more. Part of that comes from the
selfless nature of so many teachers, but part of it also comes from the high
quality people we work with in NISD.
We started the year with a goal of providing “dynamic
learning experiences” for our students and I believe we have succeeded
greatly. From my perspective, I get to
see and hear about so many wonderful experiences and accomplishments of our
students and there are great teachers behind every single one of them. This year our students have traveled all over
the country, from New York to California, because their teachers have pushed
them and provided them opportunities beyond many of their wildest dreams. NISD
teachers do more than a job, NISD teachers change the world! You should be
appreciated! Not just this week, but
every day!
Teaching is a hard job.
One of the hardest you can find. People leave our profession at an
alarming rate. I know many of you quite well and others I do not know at all,
but one thing I hope we all have in common is the desire to make the daily
lives of our students better. Otherwise, this would really be a thankless
occupation. Many people outside of education don’t appreciate the difference
you make, but as a parent with three children in NISD, I know how much you
mean. The “dynamic experiences” my kids have lived this year are countless and
their growth is amazing. I believe there
are 20,000 others just like them….kids that love their school and love their
teachers.
This week, as much as any other, I hope you feel appreciated. I hope that one of those students that looks
up to you everyday finds a way to let you know just how much you have meant to
them. Or maybe that parent that hasn’t
quite been happy all year finally sends an email just to say “thanks”. Even if
neither happens and you go through the week just as you would any other….please
remember that you are making a huge impact on a future you many never see. I
hope that is enough and I hope you know you are appreciated. Thanks for all you do!
Rob
