The month of November is a time to express gratitude and recognize the dedication and hard work people put in.
The week of Nov. 17 – 21 was American Education Week. American Education Week is a time when the community pauses to give thanks and recognize the hard work educators put into ensuring a quality education for all students.
As a former educator, I have personal connections and experiences to this week.
I recently read an op-ed titled “The Unseen Heart of Public Education,” written by Rhonda Caldwell, CEO of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators. It’s a great article, and I highly encourage everyone to read it.
Caldwell’s article illustrated the weight public education carries. Despite these challenges, educators continue to show up for their students, even if it means working unpaid hours and bending themselves more than they can handle.
One paragraph deeply resonated with me.
“Student needs are more complex. Staff shortages, especially the teacher shortage in Kentucky, stretch every corner of a school. Communities are more divided, and schools absorb that tension whether they want to or not. And still, day after day, educators show up. They create calm when the world feels chaotic. They give kids structure, encouragement, and a sense that they matter. That doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means the people doing the work refuse to give up on our students.”
I want to acknowledge and praise the educators in our local area and beyond. They consistently go above and beyond, more than what their job entails, to ensure the success of their students.
The reality is that the role of an educator often extends far beyond what is written in the job description.
For those pursuing a degree in education, I encourage you to research the school before accepting a position. Look into their impact survey and the school’s report card.
What is the staff dynamic like? Will you receive proper resources, or will the staff support you? If school staff cannot support you, what support do you expect to receive?
Remember, when you walk into an interview, you are not the only one being interviewed. You are also interviewing the school.
Additionally, I encourage parents to support their child’s teacher.
I was lucky to have great parental support. I will never forget the parents who volunteered or donated supplies, snacks, or gifts.
It’s important to remember that the need for educational support does not end with American Education Week.
I hope you had a tasty Thanksgiving, reader. Let’s continue to express our gratitude beyond Thanksgiving. I am thankful for my family and for the fields of journalism and education, which continue to shape me into the person I am today.
