Take time to thank the teachers who inspired you

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and we should take this opportunity to thank those who devote their lives to educating our students. It is difficult to imagine a more important endeavor than education, which has the power to transform lives and create opportunities.

Nelson Mandela observed, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." And, as others have noted, teachers are leading that change, "one student at a time."

Most of us can recall the many teachers who inspired us along the way. I still have fond memories of so many of my teachers — Ms. Greenstone, my second grade teacher at School 8; Ms. Mindel, my 7th grade teacher at that School; Mr. Marling, my history teacher at Brighton High School, and many others. These are individuals who taught not simply the content of a course or the material on an exam but instilled excitement about learning.

Because of the vital role played by teachers, I am especially proud of the fact that Nazareth College has been a leader in this community in preparing teachers for over 90 years. Our faculty is committed to preparing teachers who make a difference in the lives of their students. Our teacher candidates have a foundation to teach in a wide variety of contexts — public, private, charter, urban, suburban, and rural schools. Our Teacher Opportunity Corps prepares teachers of color to address the learning needs of students in high-need schools.

We recognize that teaching is an incredibly complex and noble profession, not measured by a number, but by the transformation that occurs in children. It is a skill that develops throughout a professional life, and we strive to prepare teachers who continue to learn, question, advocate, and grow during their entire careers.

It is unfortunate that in recent times teachers and the teaching profession have come under unwarranted attack. This is one of the reasons we are witnessing a decrease in the number of people interested in pursuing a teaching career. During this week, we have an opportunity to reset the narrative. Teaching is an essential profession, and we should celebrate those who work daily to enable our children to reach their dreams. Take a moment to remember a teacher who inspired you, or reach out and thank teachers you know. I, for one, thank all our alums as well as the many others who have been, and currently are, teachers.

DaanBraveman is president of Nazareth College