The nation recently honored all of its teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week in May.

Teachers are dedicated professionals who work tirelessly each day to motivate their students to work to their full potential in the classroom. They are also mentors and role models for their students.

A teacher’s day does not end at the end of the school day. Teachers devote extra hours each day to moderating school clubs and coaching various sports, and they spend long hours at home preparing lesson plans and grading tests and papers.

Teachers also meet with the parents of their students, which is a very important link in school and home communication. For all of these things, Teacher Appreciation Week is fitting recognition.

Congratulations to all of our teachers across the United States! Keep up the excellent work.

John Amato, retired