As Teacher Appreciation Week approaches (May 5-9, 2025), I find myself reflecting on the profound impact educators have had on my family. As a parent of three school-aged children, I’ve witnessed firsthand the dedication, passion and tireless effort teachers bring to their classrooms every day in Lowell.

Teachers are more than just instructors of academic subjects — they are mentors and cheerleaders. For my children, their teachers have been steady guides through personal and academic challenges, emotional growth and social development.

When our family went through some trying times, the teachers and administrators at Pawtucketville Memorial kept a steady and compassionate eye on my kids, often checking in with me (and ALWAYS responding to my Class Dojo messages within hours – if you know, you know!). 

Zoe, my oldest, was in Kindergarten when COVID hit, and it was her teachers throughout the remainder of her elementary school career who thoughtfully filled in the gaps for her and her classmates. Landry’s teachers have consistently worked to nurture in him the same passion for learning that he displays when throwing from the mound or shooting baskets on the court. And Milo’s brilliant, spunky mind has always found a welcoming place in his classrooms, with teachers who genuinely appreciate his wise-beyond-his-years sense of humor.

These moments of individual attention often go unnoticed in the hustle of the school day, yet they’re transformative for our children and mean the world to parents.

Today’s educators face unprecedented challenges. They navigate changing curricula, technological integration, diverse learning needs and varying home situations — all while maintaining enthusiasm and compassion. The pandemic years revealed just how adaptable and resilient our teachers truly are, pivoting between virtual and in-person instruction with determination.

In Lowell specifically, teachers often work with students from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, creating inclusive environments where all children can thrive. They purchase supplies with their own money, arrive early, stay late and bring work home — their commitment extending far beyond contract hours.

While appreciating teachers shouldn’t be limited to one week a year, Teacher Appreciation Week offers a wonderful opportunity to express our gratitude intentionally. Here are some meaningful ways we can say “thank you”:

Heartfelt Notes: Have your child write a specific note about what they appreciate about their teacher. Add your own personal observations about how the teacher has impacted your child.

Classroom Supplies: Consider donating items from the teacher’s wish list or providing gift cards to educational supply stores.

Volunteer Time: Offer to help with classroom activities, field trips or special projects. Your time can be an invaluable resource.

Support School Initiatives: Participate in school fundraisers, PTO events or advocacy efforts that improve conditions for teachers and students alike.

Small Gestures: Consider coordinating with other parents for a breakfast treat, a duty-free lunch covered by parent volunteers or a small gift that reflects the teacher’s personal interests. (Check in with the PTO – they may already have plans in the works and likely would gladly accept some help!)

Community Recognition: Submit stories about exceptional teachers to local media outlets, including right here at InsideLowell. Share stories and articles you see about great educators, including the Wellpoint’s Classroom Quarterback series, which spotlights outstanding teachers within Lowell Public Schools (including my cousin, Jen Tarini!).

While these gestures are appreciated during Teacher Appreciation Week, our support shouldn’t end there. Teachers deserve our ongoing advocacy, whether through supporting education funding, speaking positively about teachers in front of our children or engaging constructively with school policies.

As we gear up to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s remember that the best gift we can give our educators is a community that values education and respects their profession throughout the year.

For the teachers who have shaped my children’s lives — who have dried tears, celebrated victories and sparked curiosity — thank you! Your impact resonates far beyond the classroom and continues long after the school year ends.