Jackson Free Press

We are in the midst of teacher appreciation season, and schools across the state have set aside an entire week to thank teachers for the work they do on behalf of students every day.

As a former teacher, I understand that we can never recognize and thank teachers enough because they bear the enormous responsibility of educating children. Every day, teachers across Mississippi are equipping students to learn, build, create, serve and innovate. A teacher’s work truly changes lives.

I am deeply proud of our teachers across Mississippi because they have raised expectations for what students can accomplish. As a result of teachers’ high expectations and hard work, students are achieving unprecedented outcomes. The state’s graduation rate is at an all-time high, the dropout rate is declining, and more students than ever before are meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations on the most rigorous assessments we have ever administered. These accomplishments would not be possible without the work Mississippi teachers do on behalf of each and every student in their classrooms.

Over the course of this school year, I have had many opportunities to meet teachers across the state during school visits, at conferences and during quarterly meetings with members of the first cohort of the Mississippi Teacher Council. This council has given me a direct line to some of the most experienced and highly regarded educators in the state. Every teacher in every school I have visited has impressed me with their professionalism, dedication, thoughtfulness and passion.

I often say that teachers are the people who make the magic happen for students in the classroom. I am grateful for all of the opportunities I get to witness this magic.

Please join me and your local school community in thanking a teacher today, and every day. Their work with students today is shaping Mississippi’s future.

Carey Wright is the state superintendent of education.