I would like to take this opportunity, when all of America joins together in appreciation of our Nation’s teachers, to recognize the great work of our own educators.  DoDDS-Pacific/ DDESS-Guam proudly joins the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and school districts all over the country in recognizing our teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week. This year’s commemorative week is scheduled for May 4-10.  This year’s theme “Great Teachers Make Great Public Schools” represents the tapestry woven by our teachers as they ensure our children receive the very best educational opportunities.

Each of us can remember a favorite teacher who had a significant impact on our lives.  That person may have sparked a passion for reading or mathematics, or may have mentored us when no one else would.  Despite the enormous demands of our positions, it is critical for us to keep in the forefront the contributions we make to the lives of the students we teach.  Often it was a teacher who influenced our own lives in a significant way and that is the primary reason we joined DoDEA as educators.  Our students carry additional burdens.  Deployments and living overseas places an emotional weight on them.  Children need someone to look up to, and for many of our students, that someone is you.  Recently, I was looking at greeting cards and came upon this quotation that I think sums up the importance of our jobs as educators:  “A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others.”

In comparison to many stateside school systems, our students continue to excel in academics as demonstrated by the results from standardized tests.  The number of graduating seniors moving on to post secondary universities remains very high.  This can also be said about our students enrolled in professional technical studies as they secure positions within the business community.  Our Far East Activities and other programs showcase the passions of our students as they develop the confidence needed to become leaders in our society.  Their success is a direct result of your ability, compassion, knowledge, and experience providing them with enthusiasm for learning. 

To all of our DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam teachers, thank you for your allegiance to our students and schools, and especially to the military communities we serve.  I am excited about the future and about working with such fine educators, who remain the role models for our future citizens.  Please take some time this week to reflect on your contributions to our students and find a way to celebrate your successes.  You deserve it!