Education is vital to the world’s success, as teachers create the necessary building blocks for life. In the classroom, students learn basic academics, but instructors also aid in social-emotional learning, problem-solving skills and building relationships.
Most professionals who find themselves at the front of a classroom describe the move as a calling, passion or what they were inspired to do by another educator. Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) joined school districts and educational agencies nationwide in celebrating their purpose during Teacher Appreciation Week, observed annually during the first week of May.
“I love coming in every day and seeing the smiles on children’s faces or the impact we make on those kids who need help the most,” said Alice Myers, an elementary teacher at Academic and Behavior School East.
HCDE prides itself on creating an environment at its four special schools where students get a second chance at life, learn coping skills for behavioral challenges or find new opportunities as life skills students.
It’s a task not taken lightly, and educators’ dedication to students often goes beyond the classroom. They arrive early, stay late and pour hours into individualized plans to meet students where they are and create innovative strategies to get them to the next checkpoint.
Administrators showered teachers with special tokens of appreciation throughout the week, including Department swag, personalized gifts and bags filled with healthy snacks and drinks. Each campus was also treated to a selection of tacos and burgers from Mingos Latin Kitchen for lunch, and snow cones were served as a sweet treat.
“HCDE, especially Highpoint, does a great job at honoring us throughout the year, and I think that’s a testament to why educators love working here,” said Xavier Montgomery, who joined #TeamHCDE last year as the biology and environmental science teacher at Highpoint School.
A similar scene occurred when Center for Educator Success (CES) members took a break from transforming educator pipelines to recognize more than a dozen candidates in the division’s alternative teacher certification program.
Many are already working in the classroom in some capacity and were called to take the next step. As they gain classroom management skills and certification hours, candidates also receive an opportunity to start impacting the next generation.
“We understand the certification journey can be challenging, so we want to publicly show our appreciation for their efforts this year and build morale, support and encouragement for their progress thus far,” said Officer of Elementary Education Johanna Sanchez. “We believe in them and want each candidate to know we care, from start to finish!”
CES Senior Director Andrea Segraves, Sanchez and their teams traveled to various campuses within Spring and Aldine independent school districts to surprise more than a dozen cohort members with gifts celebrating their achievements in the eight-month program.
Teachers and staff were recognized for their critical role in shaping young minds at the Department’s 13 Head Start campuses across north and east Harris County. Campus leaders were encouraged to celebrate creatively and joyfully, from colorful posters with student creations to themed breakfasts like “Let’s Travel to Paradise,” which brought tropical vibes and attire to the classroom.
Their work with our youngest students sparks a curiosity that helps build the foundation of a lifelong learner. The nurturing presence educators provide not only supports academic growth but also fosters the confidence and joy that encourages children to explore, ask questions and dream big.
And if they happen to fall off the straight and narrow, that’s okay, too. Myers recalls her time in middle school when she began hanging out with the wrong crowd. A teacher stepped in, one with a passion for seeing the potential in her students and helping them thrive.
That same desire is found among educators within HCDE, and it’s why Department leaders strive to celebrate their dedication and commitment to providing exemplary services to Harris County students year-round, but especially during Teacher Appreciation Week.
“Sometimes we are the first and last person they see every day that will give them a hug or tell them ‘I love you,’” Myers described. “Some of these kids are going back to group homes or a home with no parents, and we have the power to impact their lives profoundly. We must give them affirmations, teach them the skills they need and show students they are special.”
To learn more about HCDE’s Special Schools, visit hcde-texas.org/special-schools.
