The first full week of May marks Teacher Appreciation Week, which is the perfect time to express gratitude for all of the incredible work that our educators do.

Robbie Fletcher

Kentucky Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher

Teachers are the backbone of our education system and play a vital role in shaping the future of our Commonwealth. Our educators are responsible for preparing students for success, both academically and in life. They inspire our children to learn, think critically and be creative. They provide a safe and supportive environment for our children to grow and develop. They help our children discover their passions and guide them toward their goals.

I still look back fondly at all the teachers who helped me get to where I am today. My academic team coach in high school, Frank Baldridge, fostered a love of education within me when I saw how he helped provide so many opportunities to so many students of varying economic backgrounds. His mentorship with the academic team also allowed me to expand my horizons and experience things that go beyond education, like going to my first Major League Baseball game, going on my first flight, even something as simple as riding on an escalator for the first time was thanks to Mr. Baldridge.

Mr. Baldridge is one of many influential educators in my life who have made a tremendous impact, and Kentucky’s classrooms are full of wonderful and talented educators who are playing the same role for our students. Our teachers are special people who, despite the tough challenges they face, make our schools and our communities a very special place.

Appreciating our educators isn’t a tall task, either. It can be as simple as reaching out to teachers that impacted your life and letting them know how much they meant to you. Or if you have children in school now, let their teachers know just how much their dedication is appreciated.

We at the Kentucky Department of Education are hard at work recruiting the next generation of educators, while also celebrating and elevating the teaching profession. This includes an advertising campaign that highlights the impactful work of teachers and the profound difference they make in students’ lives. With this campaign, we aim to motivate future teachers and ignite a passion for education in those who will shape the next generation of leaders.

Ultimately, we want and need more talented individuals in our classrooms to make a difference for our children. The more appreciation we show for our current teachers, the more likely it is that we’ll have people in our students’ lives that can be the guiding light they need to become a well-rounded citizen.