On Teacher Appreciation Day and during Teacher Appreciation Week, students, parents and communities find ways to recognize all the good that teachers do. Volunteers pay tribute to teachers too, by giving their time to read with young children, tutor students at risk for falling behind and mentor older children to help keep them on the right path. Volunteers help reinforce what teachers do best: find and nurture students’ potential.
Teachers play a critical role in building a good foundation for children to become successful adults who can make a difference in their communities. Education is a cornerstone for success in school, work and life; teachers make success possible. Education helps the whole community. High school graduates have higher earning potential, contribute more to their local economies, are more engaged in their communities, and are more likely to raise kids who also graduate, and go on to higher education or work. We have teachers to thank.
But they can’t do it alone. We all have a stake in student success. United Way is committed to helping keep kids on track to graduation and beyond. We – and teachers – need your help. High school graduation rates are on the rise, but they will continue to improve only with active and engaged members of the community. So thank a teacher in your life, and then find your local United Way and volunteer to make a difference for a lifetime.