Our country has never seen such turmoil in most of our lifetimes. The economy, jobless rates, healthcare reform, viruses, wars and natural disasters have combined to take the wind from the sails of our progress. Most think we have taken big steps backwards.
With a recession, everything suffers. People cannot go out to eat, buy new cars or even new clothes. Worse yet, many children have suffered as well.
One area we cannot let children down with is education. Once we dig ourselves out of the hole we created, it is our youth that will be charged with the responsibility of rebuilding our nation and moving it in the right direction. But guess what? That’s not going to happen if we do not provide funding for school programs and rewards for teachers who help to create young minds.
Students will need to learn history to chart the new course for this world, but they will need to reinstate our one time superior knowledge of math, science and languages to conquer disease, discover new technologies and build alliances with other countries.
Teachers are the bridge to tomorrow and it is vital to give them the palate and tools to create exceptional students. Teacher Appreciation Week, held May 3-10 in 2010 is the best time to show educators as well as school support staff that we are behind them and recognize their achievements.
This is not a parent issue, but a full community committment for our future. Families, PTA/PTO organizations, school district administratos and municipal leaders must take command and organize teacher recognition events. Schools should be decorated and useful gifts and keepsakes should be given to every teacher and staff member. The feeling of appreciation will help build pride and motivate today’s educators to go above and beyond during difficult times.
Michael Lerner is a Marketing Director for Promos On-Time, a leading online retailer of promotional products and recognition gifts. He writes a series of blogs on marketing and employee rewards.
