With schools across the nation being closed one of the best weeks in a teacher’s year is sadly going unnoticed. It is Teacher Appreciation Week! Normally this week first graders to seniors in high school would be bringing their teachers cards, flowers, apples and all kinds of gifts to show their appreciation.

What makes a great teacher? The answer is simple but yet complex. Great teachers are masters of their subject matter. They exhibit expertise in the subjects they are teaching and spend time continuing to gain new knowledge in their field. They present material in an enthusiastic manner and instill a hunger in their students to learn more on their own. Among some of the most important qualities of a good teacher include understanding, patience, and compassion. The teachers of Jackson Parish have these qualities and more.

Great teachers also set high expectations for all students. They expect that all students can and will achieve greatness in their classroom and they never give up on any student who walks through their classroom door. Great teachers have clear objectives so that they can build the anticipation for learning in their students and create lifelong learners. They also tirelessly create the perfect lesson plan so that all of their students will have the materials and opportunities each one individually needs in order to succeed.

Devotion to their students and a desire to see them be successful after they leave their classrooms and continue learning every day of their lives make our teachers the amazing educators who we appreciate every day.

Especially at a time like this everyone should reach out to thank all who teach in this parish and those that have taught many years and now are enjoying retirement. Give a shout to those who molded our minds and our lives. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!