It gives me great pleasure to join the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and school districts all over the country in recognizing the critical role teachers play in the lives of our children and the future of our country by observing National Teacher Appreciation Week.

The week of May 6-12, 2007, is a week of celebration for all of us who have chosen educating or supporting the education of today’s youth as our life’s work.  It gives Americans all over the country an opportunity to think about the role teachers play or have played in their lives, and to offer a thank you in gratitude for teachers’ efforts.  In 1953 Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day and since 1984, the National PTA has designated the first week in May as a time for communities nationwide to honor teachers. 

Some say teaching is a science, while others say it is an art or a gift.  But I don’t think anyone would argue about the significance a teacher can play in the critical growth and development of a child.   Thinking about how important a teacher can be in a child’s life reminds me of a poem that I have seen many times in my career that always brings home the message as to what is important.

One Hundred Years from now

“One hundred  years from now
It will not matter
What kind of car I drove,
What kind of house I lived in,
How much money was in my bank account, 
Nor what my clothes looked like.
But the world may be a better place because
I was important in the life of a child."   

~ Author Anonymous. 

As a system we have much to be proud of.  The success of our students is a direct result of the dedication, creative talents, and commitment of you – their teachers.  Being a teacher in our school system can be very rewarding, but also a tremendous challenge living overseas, away from family, and away from the familiar lifestyle of the United States.  As DoDEA educators you have chosen to educate the children and families of military personnel who have volunteered to serve our country and who are often in harm’s way.  For many children school provides a safe and nurturing place in which to learn.  Knowing their children are in good care and receiving the best possible education, our parents can better focus on the mission.  I offer a sincere thank you to all of our DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam teachers for your loyalty and devotion to our students and schools, and especially to the military communities we serve. 

As your Director I continue to be very proud and humbled to work with such fine educators, who are inspirational role models for our future citizens.  Please take some time during Teacher Appreciation Week to reflect on your contributions to our students and the profession.  Take the time to celebrate your successes and realize the difference you do make in a child’s life everyday.

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam