The Changemakers in Our Classrooms and Communities: A Note of Gratitude

To every teacher reading this: Thank You! We appreciate you. Not just for what you do but for who you are.

Each day, you step into your classroom prepared to do far more than deliver a lesson. You lead, you nurture, you listen, and you encourage. You wipe tears, spark curiosity, and help young people see the world and themselves through a new lens. And you do it all, day after day, fueled by a deep love for your students and a belief in their potential.

As someone who spent ten years teaching elementary school and now leads a college devoted to preparing future educators, I see you. I see how much effort you put into your lesson planning and your students' lives. Even on the difficult days, you manage to balance responsibility and joy. I see your creativity, your strength, and your impact both immediate and lasting.

This Teacher Appreciation Week, I hope you feel that impact reflected back to you - because what you do matters more than ever. Teaching is not easy, but you continue to show up with compassion and commitment. You are multitaskers, mentors, motivators, and an extension of your students' support system. You guide them through tough moments, encourage their unique strengths, and build classrooms where they feel safe and empowered. You are changemakers, showing up with purpose and care, helping young people not only learn but become their authentic selves.

At the National College of Education at National Louis University, we're proud to walk alongside you, whether you're one of our current students, a proud alum, or part of a current or future partner school. Every day, we strive to support and uplift the work of teachers. We design programs that meet you where you are, offer practical tools grounded in real-world classrooms, and create pathways for growth, advancement, and leadership. We believe deeply in your work and in your future.

To the school leaders reading this: your role in celebrating and supporting educators is vital. You set the tone for your schools and districts. You shape the environments where teachers and students thrive. You create space for professional growth. You advocate for resources. This week and every week, I encourage you to show authentic care and find ways to truly see and celebrate your educators. Whether it's a simple thank-you note, an act of recognition, or a conversation rooted in listening, your appreciation goes a long way. Take the time to notice and name what makes each educator exceptional. Teaching is personal work, and feeling valued can make all the difference.

To our incredible partners at Back 2 School America: thank you for championing students and educators alike. Your initiative has placed hundreds of thousands of Back 2 School kits into the hands of children who need them most. Your commitment to equity in education is not only inspiring, it's essential. When children have the tools they need, they can focus on what truly matters: learning, growing, and dreaming big. NLU's National College of Education is honored to be part of this shared mission.

As I think about my own children's experiences in school, what stands out most are lasting impressions their teachers have left. They don't talk about test scores or assignments. They talk about the people. The teachers who made them laugh, checked in when things were hard, and showed up every day with heart. That emotional connection is powerful. It's what makes a teacher unforgettable. And it's a reminder that the work you do reaches far beyond the classroom; it stays with your students, shaping who they are and who they'll become.

From one educator to another: keep going. Keep leading. Keep changing lives. It is through your eyes and through your work that our children learn to see the world not just as it is but as it could be.

With gratitude,

Dr. Carolyn Theard-Griggs

Dean, National College of Education
National Louis University