In May, there is one week dedicated to the recognition of teachers and their willingness and duty to serve. Yet, this appreciation should not stop when the hustle of a new school year begins.

So, now that back-to-school season is here, let’s contemplate all that they do to help nurture all of their students’ academic, intellectual and emotional abilities and skills. For me, it is acknowledging that someone dedicates their time and energy to the learning needs of others.

Teachers are people who not only care about how well we learn, but also how we apply those skills both inside and outside the classroom. They think about our personal and professional growth, how well we understand the content, our personal opinions, our ability to engage with others and our sense of confidence.

They encourage us when we doubt ourselves, they pick us up after we have fallen and they find us when we are lost. They are committed to the power of learning and their environment. They are dedicated and provide a sense of guidance and support. They show loyalty for education.

I only know about the appreciation of teachers because I am one. I have also been a student for many years so I know what was important to me as well as my success. Education is an important tool and a blessing, and I appreciate the opportunity to be a student—it brings so much value and wealth to my personal life.

I can only thank those teachers who made a difference in my life. Course after course, I worked hard and I made it, only because there was a teacher right there beside me, telling me how I could succeed and persevere.

On those days that I wanted to quit, I never did because of caring and devoted teachers. They would speak life into my world. They were honest and helped me to become better. I wanted to do better because I knew that I was supported and valued as a student.

Even through trials and tribulations, the death of loved ones or a few days being ill, those teachers exuded patience and understanding through my footsteps. Even if I had to make a decision to not do so well or miss an assignment, my teacher was there, pushing me forward and not holding me back.

Being a student is not about perfection—it’s about having a drive to learn. It’s about having a passion for education, an opportunity for growth and the courage in finding our purpose. Without a teacher, there would be no classroom. Without a teacher, there would be no success.

As our journey in life continues, we should always remember those that paved the way for us. We should never forget how they impacted our life. We should never lose their value within us.  We should always remind ourselves that if it weren’t for those teachers, we would not be students.

Looking for more Teacher Appreciation? Check out posts focused on thanking our educators. Interested in becoming a teacher? Check out the education degree programs offered through Grand Canyon University.

More About Dr. Stewart

In 2013, Kendra Stewart, DBH, graduated from Arizona State University with a doctoral degree in behavioral health. She currently instructs professional counseling courses for GCU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Dr. Stewart, also known as Dr. K, is a licensed professional counselor and has a passion for inspiring others and focusing on the power of purpose. She has years of experience and expertise in the behavioral health field, which includes having her own private practice. Her professional career consists of working with many different populations as well as motivational speaking engagements. She is also working on her first mini-book about the power of God’s love.

In her spare time, Dr. K enjoys travelling with her family, playing pool and kickboxing. Spending time with family, having a lot of laughs and fellowshipping with friends are musts for her. She believes that life is about living and living is about loving what you do and who you are.