Acknowledging Those Who Make a Difference for Students Every Day

Inside of a school building, educators, counselors, administrators, assistants, and all of those who support students, work persistently to ensure that students are learning, exploring passions, developing skills, and growing as well-rounded individuals. And while there is, of course, a great deal of focus on academic instruction and achievement, the often-unrecognized support and care that so many adults within a school provide students on a daily basis are what truly make a learning community thrive. 

During this season of giving thanks, it is important that communities pause, recognize, and share gratitude for all of the big and small ways that educators meet student needs, connect with students and families, spark interests, and add joy and purpose to students’ days. 

Thank you for going above and beyond to find ways to support students. 

The support teams in schools are often the connective tissue between teachers, students, and families. They are the ones who find informal ways to check in with a student who has been going through a challenging time. They are the ones who notice a student has been repeatedly absent and call the family to offer transportation resources or counseling services. They are the ones who find ways to celebrate students’ personal successes, even when they do not meet the more traditional metrics of major accomplishments. They work tirelessly to make sure that no student falls through the cracks. They are the ones who find ways to help students discover a passion or articulate their dreams and work with them to map out a plan for the best chance for success after high school. 

We are grateful for the countless hours and creativity spent finding ways to help each student. And we appreciate your dedication and persistence as you keep showing up for them, day after day, year after year.

Thank you for empowering students to work toward their dreams.  

College and career counselors, career educators, and student advisors are often the adults in a school building who encourage students to discover their passions and to build off their interests to explore aspirations. They are the ones who acknowledge a student’s unique talents and help them bridge those skills with future plans. They lead clubs and activities that create supportive communities where students can come together with others who share interests and goals. They spend their own time trying to learn more about emerging technologies or trends within a particular industry so they can better teach and prepare students for the world they will meet after graduation. 

We thank you for helping students see the potential that they have to transform their hopes into a future reality. Thank you for finding ways to engage students who might not see themselves as successful in the traditional academic disciplines. Thank you for building student confidence so they know they can bring value and contribution to their communities. 

Thank you for taking the care to build and foster relationships and connections. 

In order for students to flourish, they must feel rooted and connected to others in their school community. Educators, counselors, administrators, and assistants play a valuable role in building relationships with students and families and finding ways for students to connect with peers. They give a student a high five in the hallway just to say hello. They spend time on the phone with families talking through how to complete the financial aid forms for college or sharing resources for academic support for a student who is struggling. They provide unstructured opportunities for students to share their thoughts, opinions, worries, and hopes. They find moments in their day to connect with students outside of the classroom–in the lunchroom, at a community event, at a sporting event, or at a performance. And they stay in touch with students who have graduated and return to visit, listening to their successes and encouraging their next steps. 

We are grateful for all of the work to show students that they are valued and cared for. Thank you for taking the time and care to build these important relationships within a school community, for these efforts to more deeply connect with students and families have an immeasurable impact on the happiness, success, and fulfillment of students long beyond graduation.