Teacher Appreciation Week: A Love Letter to My Family’s Calling

Education isn't just my career—it's been our dinner table conversation for three generations.

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. While this is often a time for generic thank-yous, for me, this week is deeply personal. Education isn't just a topic of interest; it is my family’s DNA.

When I walk into a school building, I don’t see a government facility; I see the life’s work of the people who raised me and the dedicated professionals who continue to build our community today.

A Family Tradition of Teacher Appreciation in Waynesboro

It started with the matriarch of our family, Grammy. As a piano teacher, she understood that education is about more than just notes on a page—it is about discipline, practice, and finding one's voice. She set the tempo for a lineage of educators that spans continents and generations.

I grew up with the influence of Aunt Janet, a lifelong preschool teacher, and Aunt Kate, who dedicated her career to Kindergarten and 1st grade. I’ll never forget the summers I spent at Aunt Kate’s house; while we spent our afternoons in her pool, she also spent that time patiently teaching me how to read. She gave me the foundation that changed the trajectory of my life.

Education isn't just about what happens in the classroom; it's about the foundation we build for a lifetime.

Why Teacher Appreciation Matters: Perspectives from Every Classroom

Our family gatherings were always filled with the perspectives of educators from every walk of life. I grew up hearing stories from Uncle Rick about agriculture, Uncle Steve about middle school math, and Uncle John, a law professor. I learned about the global classroom from Aunt Mary, an English teacher in Spain, and about the power of inclusive education from Uncle Chris, who leads outdoor education for adults with special needs.

I saw the essential support system of our schools through Aunt Meg, a school paraprofessional, Aunt Mandy, and Aunts Deb and Nancy, who have spent years as regular volunteers in their local schools.

The Next Generation

That passion for service clearly caught fire with the next generation. My Cousin Joe and his wife Kim took the leap to start their own school. Cousin Sarah became an educator and a leader in her education union, while Cousins Kenan and Jessica carry on the work in classrooms and preschools today.

Perhaps the most personal memory is of my sister, Jen. Even in 3rd or 4th grade, Jen didn't want to play house—she wanted to play "school." I was her sole student, sitting through her improvised lessons long before she became a Middle School English teacher and eventually an elementary librarian. Her husband, Troy, carries that same dedication as a high school math teacher. That commitment to students is shared by my sister-in-law Erin, who has worked in Special Education classrooms, and her husband Jeff, who teaches middle school math.

I don't just see a school building; I see the life's work of the people who raised me.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Waynesboro Teachers

The closest connection of all is my wife, Amy. As an elementary educator, she lives the reality of our schools every single day. Her commitment to her students is a constant reminder of the incredible heart it takes to be an educator.

I spent years in the classroom myself as a high school English teacher and tech coach. To the teachers of Waynesboro: I know your dedication because I’ve seen my family live it my entire life.

Thank you for being the architects of our future. Thank you for the extra hours, the patient lessons, and the unwavering belief in every student who walks through your door. Appreciation isn't just a week in May—it's a debt of gratitude we owe you every single day.

Thank you for everything you do.

My wife, Amy, and I sharing a moment outside of the classroom.