Brown: Supporting educators through thick and thin

Teachers’ commitment to converting their lessons and learning methods to accommodate this new mode of teaching is critical to our students because it provides them with much needed normalcy in their everyday lives. That is especially important during this time of uncertainty.”

Denny Brown, Yes to Children

During this time that’s full of uncertainty, we desperately need people we can count on. Of course dedicated healthcare personnel and devoted first responders immediately come to mind for their service on the frontlines.

I would like to add our Scottsdale Unified School District teachers to that distinguished group.

This is “Teacher Appreciation Week,” and I can think of no better time to thank the nearly 1,400 SUSD teachers for their continued commitment and frequent sacrifice, particularly in these demanding times.

I recall about 10 years ago when I participated in my first “Teacher Appreciation Week.” I was serving as the new Hohokam Elementary School PTA president. There was a lot of tension throughout the school district about the extreme lack of funding.

In addition, discussions were underway about possibly consolidating schools to save money. Hohokam was one of the schools that would have been impacted.

It was a warm day in May, but that didn’t deter us from celebrating outside with our teachers. I took the day off from work and hauled my grill to campus. Hamburgers topped the menu.

It was a great time that gave parents the chance to express their appreciation to teachers who were working under extreme pressure.

Today, there is a whole new set of stressful challenges at SUSD. Schools are closed. Students are cut off from their friends and learning from home in their virtual classrooms. But one thing remains constant: Teachers are teaching.

Teachers’ commitment to converting their lessons and learning methods to accommodate this new mode of teaching is critical to our students because it provides them with much needed normalcy in their everyday lives. That is especially important during this time of uncertainty.

So, thank you SUSD teachers from Yes To Children. You have our support through thick and thin. And you are absolutely appreciated, and, dare I say, loved.

Editor’s Note: Denny Brown is a former member of the SUSD Governing Board and a co-chair of Yes To Children.