Everyone who has met me knows I am honest about my imperfections. So, I have to admit,  I’ve really struggled with the pressure of writing my official “Teacher Appreciation Week” blog. After all, my entire year has been dedicated to celebrating teachers, and I wasn’t sure how I could find the words to adequately express my depth of appreciation. In the last two weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to visit educators who are at the beginning, the middle, and the “perceived” end of their teaching story. Reflecting on those visits helped me realize why it is so difficult to find the right way to say thank you. In my speeches, I often say, “Teaching is not a profession; it is a lifestyle.” That’s why I’m struggling. It’s easy to tell people thank you for what they do, but how do you ever express gratitude for who they are? We can’t put a price tag on a person, and all of my token attempts at thanking teachers seemed grossly inadequate. For that reason, I’m putting faith in what I’ve told students in over 900 classrooms this year; “Words are powerful.” I’ll attempt to use my words, and if I don’t meet the mark, at least the teachers will know I made a heart-felt attempt. So let’s peek into the lives of some past, present, and future educators.

Last week, I walked into the “Drs. Todd and Beth Whitaker Executive Conference Room” at Indiana State University to meet some incredible future educators who had gathered to celebrate their launch into student teaching next fall. At the end of our time together, I said, “I just saw the future of education, and clearly, it’s going to sparkle.” Dr. Beth Whitaker is the person who gave me the gift of the “make it sparkle” slogan. Because Beth shines a caring light of learning on future educators, they, in turn, reflect that light and shine brightly in their classrooms. As I listened to the future educators, it was clear they had already embraced the teacher lifestyle. One of the celebration activities required the interns to share “tokens” that represented insights from their field experiences. Nearly all of the university students had a watch in their “Token Totes”  because as they explained, “There is never enough time, and you never quit working.” Teachers take the stories of their students home with them every night, and they certainly don’t clock out when the last bell of the day rings. I know these future educators are ready for the classroom because they already understand that once their day begins, it really never ends.

Early this week, I visited some of our “present” educators. I had the opportunity to serve as a judge for a Project Based Learning unit in a middle school art classroom. What struck me about this visit was the enormous amount of behind the scenes work that had to go on before I ever walked into the room. I was energized by the interactions I had with the students and the quality of their projects, but I was also inspired by the teacher and student teacher in this classroom. Based on the students’ comments, it became clear that these teachers had spent an incredible amount of time working with individual students to help them maximize their potential. Not only that, but the teacher also showed me an entire packet of assessment materials specifically designed for over twenty different kinds of art projects. Of course, the teacher thought nothing of it, and even asked me for ways to improve the process. She perfectly modeled the teacher belief that because we can always grow, our work never ends. In fact, my co-judges were teachers who were volunteering their prep time to help out. Isn’t it funny how even though teachers never have enough time, they understand the importance of “making time?”

On Tuesday, which was the official “National Teacher Appreciation Day,” I was honored to speak at the LaGrange County Retired Teacher’s Association meeting. My heart was full because sitting in the audience were teachers who had mentored me during my first two years of teaching at Parkside Elementary School. When I had them stand and be recognized, I had to fight back tears. They smiled sweetly, but they clearly had no idea how much they impacted my teaching career. Many years ago, they were going about the business of educating kids, not knowing that a scared young teacher was constantly watching them to learn how to be a better educator. I challenged the retired teachers with my “teaching is a lifestyle” quote because I wanted them to understand that they really aren’t at the end. They will never stop being teachers because they are wired to use their skills in all settings. Their service might not be carried out in the classroom, but they aren’t even close to the final chapter of their own teaching stories; there’s too much more to be done.

And so, to all of our future, present, and never really retired teachers, I share my heartfelt thanks for your willingness to be an educator for life. The day never ends, the work never ends, and the career never ends, yet you continue to do this priceless work because it’s your lifestyle, and by choosing that lifestyle, you are changing the world.

At Oakdale Elementary School, students can eat their lunch while gazing down a painted path that leads to majestic mountains in the distance. During my visit last week, I had the pleasure of meeting talented teachers who clearly have high aspirations for their students. These educators work diligently to guide their students down a path of opportunity that could very well lead to incredible mountain top experiences. I know the capabilities of these teachers because I have four nephews currently attending Oakdale who have all benefitted from the guidance of their caring teachers.

I am blessed because I have the opportunity to continue following my nephews on their life journey. How wonderful it will be to cheer for them when they achieve their own successful summits. Let’s not forget, however, that my ability to follow along is a luxury their teachers don’t have. You see, the incredible teachers at Oakdale are committed to staying at the trailhead. Instead of following their students down the path of success, they must stay rooted to provide guidance to the next group of young people. I’m certainly glad these teachers are willing to make that sacrifice because my nieces are headed their way in a few years!

Since Oakdale’s teachers have developed strong roots at the pathway entrance, it’s fitting that this school is the home of the “Mighty Oaks.”  The teachers may never know where their young “acorns” will end up rooting themselves, but I hope these educators never forget how much their daily guidance affects the future. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that “the creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.” Thank you, Oakdale Elementary School for your willingness to stay rooted and sow seeds that will impact future generations in a mighty way.  It’s fitting that I choose today to write about my visit with the Mighty Oaks. It is Earth Day, after all, and both celebrations remind us of the importance of investing in our future. Thank you, Oakdale Elementary School, for your strong roots. Today, I celebrate you!

Visiting South Creek Elementary School was quite an adventure! Before I set out on my journey, two incredibly talented fourth graders served as my tour guides. I loved listening to their animated descriptions of South Creek’s adventurous offerings. I found out I could travel the United States with Flat Stanley and his “flat friends” from South Creek, earn a “Gator of the Month” award, or even do a gangnam style dance with the “ISTEP lady.” Without a doubt, I knew I had an exciting day ahead.

Before our tour ended, however, the conversation shifted, and my young guides began to speak passionately about the virtues of the teachers behind the adventures. These wise young ladies seemed to understand that life adventures can’t happen unless someone shows you the value of wondering and the beauty of discovery. Clearly, the teachers at South Creek know how to share that vision.

Because these educators have an adventurous spirit, they spend their days teaching students how to marvel at the present and envision the future.  I am always amazed when I watch teachers diligently preparing students for their unknown futures. In most careers, professionals deal with the realities of current situations.  Teachers, however, have a unique opportunity to work in the world of future possibilities. I was honored to spend a day with South Creek’s teachers and watch them transform their classrooms into places where adventures are only limited by imaginations. Today, I celebrate South Creek’s adventures and encourage all schools to embark on their own thrilling journeys.

In 2007, Tippecanoe School Corporation stakeholders submitted names for the new elementary school being built on the eastside of Lafayette. The name, “Wyandotte Elementary School” was chosen in honor of the Wyandotte tribe. Further research revealed that the Wyandotte’s power came, not from numbers, but from intelligence. After spending a day in this powerful school, I am convinced the stakeholders chose the right name.  Even the school mascot, the hawk, is a traditional symbol of power. Fittingly, by the end of my visit, the staff at Wyandotte had inspired me to reflect on the true nature of “power.”

Obviously, it was thrilling to watch Wyandotte’s teachers carry on the legacy of the Wyandotte tribe by empowering their students through knowledge. Yet, I didn’t see teachers “dispensing” information. Instead, I watched children discovering knowledge themselves. Throughout the day, I could feel a unique undercurrent of creativity flowing through the halls of the school, so I wasn’t surprised when I walked around the back of the “Wyandotte Hawks” sign and discovered this message.

As evidenced by this sign, the entire staff remembers the importance of celebrating individual creativity within the context of knowledge acquisition. Because opportunities to explore are framed around content, the students don’t view learning as dreaded work.  They feel safe being themselves, and their happy spirits reflect that freedom.

I am forever grateful for the lessons I’ve learned this year because I will go back to my own classroom a changed teacher. At Wyandotte, I was reminded that creativity shouldn’t be set aside, even if a standardized test is looming. After all, my visit occurred exactly one week before I-STEP began. However, the climate of the building was not one of stress and fear; instead, teachers and students freely learned because they remembered that the process of learning is just as powerful as a product in the form of a test score. Don’t misunderstand me; Wyandotte’s test scores will, no doubt, still be exemplary.  What makes this school special is that students are allowed to be creative individuals who understand that their power and worth reside in the unique contributions they will make to society. That, to me, is a powerful message. Wyandotte Elementary School, thanks for showing me the meaning of power; today, I celebrate you!

During many of my presentations, I hold up a tattered copy of my favorite bedtime story, Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book. Throughout my life, this author has continued to inspire me. The first book I remember reading was Green Eggs and Ham, and Oh the Places You’ll Go continues to be a favorite graduation gift for my students. So when I was greeted by this bulletin board at Whispering Meadows Elementary School, I knew it would be a special day. No doubt, the students at this phenomenal school are “off to great places,” and I want to thank their teachers for being an integral part of the journey.

Visiting Whispering Meadows was inspiring because I observed teachers doing so much more than teaching content; they were giving their students hope. These educators are clearly helping children envision futures with unlimited possibilities. Throughout the United States, teachers feel pressure to be sure their students perform, but thankfully, at this school, the power of creativity and imagination hasn’t been forgotten in the process. Just strolling through “Triville” made me want to dream big dreams and tackle new mountains.  If more adults could spend their days walking among truffula trees like these children do every day, maybe our adult lives wouldn’t seem nearly as complicated. Which makes me think of another Dr. Seuss quote, “Sometimes the questions are complicated, and the answers are simple.” I think the teachers at Whispering Meadows have stumbled upon a simple solution to a complicated question. Everyone in our society is asking how we can best educate our youth. That’s a pretty complicated question! However, maybe the answer isn’t found in a magic program or perfect assessment. Possibly, the answer lies in rekindling the imagination of childhood. Of course, we have to be sure our students learn content, but at Whispering Meadows, I was reminded of the importance of balance.

Thank you, Whispering Meadows, for remembering that “a person’s a person no matter how small,” and for being sure those small people aren’t robbed of opportunities to dream big. Whispering Meadows, you believe in the power of imagination, and today, I celebrate you!