The world often celebrates astronauts, athletes, and movie stars as its heroes, but today, let us remember that our greatest heroes are often found in the classrooms, tirelessly shaping the future. They do not seek fame or fortune; their reward is the success of their students, the blossoming of young minds, and the knowledge that they have played a pivotal role in shaping the leaders, thinkers, and innovators of tomorrow. THEY ARE…OUR TEACHERS. In classrooms, many teachers are dedicated to healing emotional wounds, calming students’ anger, and creating a stable and secure environment for all. Your lessons extend beyond the curriculum, encompassing values such as compassion, respect, and essential life skills. Regardless of the challenges students face, whether academic or personal, your primary focus is on helping each child overcome obstacles and achieve success. I am grateful that you take the time to understand the reasons behind a student’s struggle to read or slower response during oral discussions, rather than dismissing them as lazy or inattentive. Your unwavering commitment to going above and beyond makes you a true superhero in real life It probably feels like you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, and that makes perfect sense. You are the essential worker that is sometimes underappreciated, sometimes underpaid, and under-equipped in normal times and it’s never been truer or more obvious than now. But hear this part again: YOU ARE ESSENTIAL. We acknowledge and appreciate your efforts! Some might argue that it’s just part of your job, but many of us understand the truth. You dedicate countless hours of your personal time, money, and energy to go above and beyond for your students. Attending numerous meetings, responding to thousands of chats, and even receiving texts and calls from parents after hours are just a few examples of your commitment. Apart from family, it is the teachers who have left the most profound impressions. Our learners are learning more from you right now than a curriculum could ever teach. On days when things don’t go to plan, know that they are still learning. They are learning to be adaptive, to persevere, show empathy, to take care of each other, be flexible, and to think creatively. They are learning all that from YOU. Teachers, if you need a reminder today, please know that you truly shape lives both within and beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impact for the rest of our lives. Thank you, dear teachers, for shaping the world, one student at a time. THANK YOU!