Wearing a personalized black apron and overseeing a smokey grill loaded with hamburgers and boudin sausage, Dr. Charles Ned said Special Schools leadership could have easily ordered catering or had boxed meals delivered to Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) four campuses in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week. 

But for the division’s senior director, going to the teachers and educational aides and personally treating them was the gesture he and his staff wanted to do – as did the honorees. 

“We tell them, ‘Thank you’ constantly, but this is very intentional, purposeful and real,” Ned said on May 4 at Academic and Behavior School (ABS) West, the first of four on-campus cookouts. “A personal touch goes a long way, and this is what the staff requested. For us, it’s about being able to engage with the staff, truly celebrate them and let them know we appreciate what they do.” 

HCDE joined school districts and agencies nationwide in recognizing educators and celebrating their purpose during Teacher Appreciation Week, observed annually during the first week of May. Leadership prides itself on creating learning environments where students can be successful, be it as their first opportunity (Head Start), second chance (Special Schools) or more (Adult Education and Center for Educator Success). 

The tasks aren’t easy, nor are they taken lightly. Within these divisions, educators continually show their dedication to students goes well beyond the four walls of the classroom. They invest hours into individualized plans to meet students where they are and routinely create innovative strategies to advance them to their next checkpoint. 

“Personally, I come here to make the difference with the kids so to hear someone say, ‘Thank you,’ and to have your administration notice your hard work makes you feel good,” ABS West teacher Razjhe Johnson said. “And it’s a great time. This gives us that extra push, and as teachers and educators, we need that. We need that little appreciation, and it goes a long way.” 

Administrators thanked teachers with tokens of appreciation throughout the week. 

From specialized meals and treats to personalized gifts, teachers were flying on cloud nine. 

At the four Special Schools, staff were treated to a cookout with burgers, hot dogs and sausages prepared and served by division team members. Sundaes and other sweet treats followed lunch, while each staff member was encouraged to write a note of encouragement to a teacher or educational aide. Teachers and aides also received a raffle ticket for prizes that include prize packs from the Houston Rockets and Trill Burgers. 

Travelin Tom’s Coffee Truck visited both ABS East and ABS West thanks to a division partnership with Houston Loves Teachers, a citywide initiative by Good Reason Houston designed to support, recruit and retain high-quality educators across the area. Over at Highpoint School, staff members got their dessert fix courtesy of a visit from Gelato Galore food truck. 

“They are the boots on the ground every single day and with our population, we just never know what we’re going to get each day,” Highpoint Principal Courtney Waters said. “And really, ‘Thank you’ is never enough for me to express my gratitude to them. I believe in celebrating them all the time. This is just the week they get but I celebrate them because I need them to know how much I value them and appreciate them.” 

Similar scenes and acts of appreciation occurred with partner school districts this week when Center for Educator Success (CES) team members recognized candidates in the division’s alternative teacher certification programs. Most were already working in the classroom in some capacity at their respective district and ultimately answered the call to take the next step. 

CES visited teacher candidates in Cypress-Fairbanks and Goose Creek Consolidated independent school districts on May 6, and those in Channelview and Springs ISDs the next day. 

As candidates gain classroom management skills and certification hours, they’re also receiving an opportunity to start impacting the next generation with CES. 

Teachers and staff were recognized for their role in shaping young minds at HCDE’s 12 Head Start campuses across north and east Harris County. Their work with the county’s youngest students sparks a curiosity that helps build the foundation of a lifelong learner, supports academic growth and fosters the confidence and joy to explore and dream big. 

No matter the age or location, students are positively impacted by HCDE teachers and educational aides. It’s why HCDE leaders celebrate their dedication and commitment to providing exemplary services to Harris County students year-round, but especially during Teacher Appreciation Week. 

“We’re in a profession in which you do it for the love of the kids and the impact that you make with the students,” Ned said. “And I feel like if you’re not in the classroom with the kids, you have to love on the ones that are loving on the kids.”