I went to Lock Haven University, which some would call the Harvard of the PSAC, and it also happens to be a great teaching school. A lot of my friends went to college to become teachers, and I also have many friends who are currently teaching. It’s an incredibly important job and, honestly, a pretty thankless one. We don’t always give teachers the credit they deserve for how much they help shape our society.

If you think back, I’m sure you can name at least one teacher who really stood out. The kind who made learning fun, challenged you, and maybe even helped shape what you wanted to do with your life. For me, there were two teachers I’ll always appreciate: Mrs. Pipech and Mrs. Saylor.

I had a lot of great teachers, but these two really made an impact because they introduced me to business in a real, practical way. They taught marketing, computer, and accounting classes, and they focused on real-world application instead of just textbooks. That experience helped show me what I wanted to do when I grew up.

I tried to schedule my classes with them whenever I could. Looking back, I’m grateful for the lessons they taught me, not just about business, but about how much a great teacher can influence a student’s path.

On the other hand, I’m sure you can also think of a teacher you didn’t quite click with. Maybe they seemed miserable, unapproachable, or made you feel like you were always doing something wrong. I had a few teachers whose classes I genuinely dreaded. At times, it even felt like it held me back from learning because I was afraid to say the wrong thing or couldn’t fully be myself.

That contrast really highlights just how powerful a teacher’s attitude and approach can be, for better or worse.

So, in a time when students need it most, let’s support and appreciate the teachers students look forward to seeing, the ones who are a light in their lives. Maybe students aren’t naturally excited about a math class, but a great teacher can show them why it matters and help connect it to something meaningful to them.

Teachers have a real opportunity to build kids up instead of tearing them down. A teacher should never look down on a student or feel threatened by them. The impact they have can last far beyond the classroom.

One example of this is my friend/family member Emily Tripoli. She’s a great teacher who truly cares about her students. She is always thinking of ways not only to help them learn, but also to make them feel valued and like they matter. She regularly goes above and beyond for her students, even putting in extra work at home, and it’s something I truly admire. I hope more teachers take that same approach. It’s important to remember that life isn’t all about tests and grades. There are so many other things that make someone a good person and, in turn, a successful human.

Recently, my friends JC Keefer and Mike Frederick came up with a great idea for Loyalsock Baseball players to reach out and thank their teachers. It was simple but powerful, just going out of their way to say thank you. I loved the idea, and our players followed through, even sending follow-up emails to the teachers who made an impact on them.

So, I’ll challenge you as well. If you’re a student reading this, or the parent of one, take a moment to thank a teacher. Tell them you appreciate what they do and that it matters to you.

And to all of my past teachers, thank you. I appreciate the time you gave me and the role you played in helping me grow and learn.

“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13