Educators worldwide are shaping young minds and making a difference in their communities. School districts and educational agencies stop to recognize their passion and hard work in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, celebrated in May. 

Harris County Department of Education divisions embraced the observance with love and appreciation.  

This week, Communications & Creative Services released a “Thank You” video on social media. Various HCDE employees shared stories about their favorite teacher and explained why the educator made a lasting impression on their lives. Assistant Superintendent of Education and Enrichment Dr. CJ Rodgers, Executive Director of Facilities Dr. Michelle Williams and Special Schools principals Jatata Hutton and Mercedes Love were among those featured in the video.   

In the heart of where the magic happens, our Special Schools administrators showered their teachers with special tokens of appreciation. It was all laughs and smiles at Highpoint School and Fortis Academy as educators received bags filled with healthy snacks and drinks.  

A similar scene occurred when members of the Center for Educator Success took a break from transforming educator pipelines to recognize more than a dozen candidates in the division’s alternative teacher certification program. Senior Director Andrea Segraves and her team traveled to various campuses within HCDE and both Spring and Aldine independent school districts to surprise cohort members with gifts celebrating their achievements in the eight-month program.  

Celebrations will continue throughout the month with various activities and gestures to honor educators for their invaluable contributions to the lives of Harris County students.   

To learn more about HCDE Schools, visit hcde-texas.org/special-schools.