Thank you, teachers!

One day, when our son was in the fourth grade at Wallace Elementary School, he finished an assignment early. Instead of requiring her students to sit quietly at their desks with nothing to do, the teacher provided activities to engage their interests. Recognizing his curiosity about design, she handed our son a book about the architecture of the Biltmore mansion. He came home talking about being an architect. Eventually, we visited the Biltmore and paid extra for a behind-the-scenes tour about the architecture. Upon graduating from Wallace-Rose High School, our son attended design school and is a furniture designer in New York City. To this day, when I see that teacher, I express my appreciation and thank her for recognizing and encouraging his interests at such a young age.

Both of our children had many excellent and dedicated teachers at Wallace Elementary, Charity Middle, and Wallace-Rose Hill High. They were knowledgeable in their fields, challenged their students to do their best, and, perhaps most importantly, showed concern for them as individuals. Even now, they ask about our son and daughter, although it has been as long as 25 years since some had our children in their classrooms. I appreciate their continued care and support.

Teacher Appreciation Week was May 5-9 this year. In 1953, former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt lobbied the U.S. Congress to designate a particular day to honor teachers. However, it wasn’t until 1980 that such a day was officially declared. Originally celebrated in March, Teacher Appreciation Day was moved to May and expanded to the entire first week. According to an article about its history, “Teacher Appreciation Day is described by the National Education Association as ‘a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contribution they make to our lives.’”

In a Harvard Gazette article about what makes a good teacher, these key characteristics are listed: “They establish strong, caring teacher-student relationships; challenge students to think, reason, and communicate their ideas; convey subject matter accurately and clearly; and have strong knowledge of their students as individuals — how they think and think about themselves as learners — as well as of their students’ culture and community.” We are blessed in Duplin County to have so many excellent teachers who exhibit these characteristics.

Cicero, the great Roman statesman and scholar (106-43 B.C.) said, “What greater or better gift can we offer the republic than to teach and instruct our youth?” When someone gives you a gift, it’s only right to say “Thank you!” When our teachers give our youth and our communities the great gift of their dedication, it is only right that we appreciate them.

American writer Max Leon Forman said, “Teachers are people who start things they never see finished, and for which they never get thanks until it is too late.” Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 has come and gone, but it is never too late to thank our Duplin County teachers for their hard work, dedication to their craft, and the lasting contribution they make to all of our lives.

Philip Gladden lives in Wallace and writes on behalf of Duplin County Schools.