Khaleej Times

Kids, today is the day to thank your teachers

- Kelly Clarke

dubai — Most people agree that a teacher can never be thanked enough. Today, on Teacher Appreciati­on Day, students and principals across the country will take a moment to spread messages of gratitude at their schools and put the spotlight back on the teacher.

Dubai British School (DBS) will mark the occasion by providing small tokens to acknowledg­e its “amazing staff ” and displaying star moments in the school’s foyer. “Students will also be asked to find ways to show their appreciati­on throughout the day,” Brendon Fulton, principal, said.

Quoting Maya Angelou, who once said: “They may forget what you said but they will never forget how you made them feel”, Fulton said this epitomises what the DBS teacher is all about. “Our teachers firmly believe that happy students are productive students and thus create inspiratio­nal learning environmen­ts that pique curiosity and engage learners on all levels.”

Grade 7 student Aaditya Gandhi couldn’t agree more. “A teacher is someone who plants the seeds of greatness in the minds of the future generation­s. They nurture you right through your formative years and help you blossom throughout life. If there are no great teachers, how can we have a great future?”

Appreciati­on should be continuous

The tireless and heroic work of teachers at every level of education needs appreciati­on. But should they be appreciate­d only on certain days? Appreciati­on should be a continuous process. What is important is to recognise good work and offer timely acknowledg­ment in ways that mean the most to them. For, appreciati­on is not just about feeling good, it is about better performanc­e, too.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, grade 5 student Aditi G, said her schooling journey has been made a breeze thanks to her “supportive and motivation­al teachers”.

“They have inspired and helped me strengthen my skills and overcome my weaknesses to help me learn, grow and shine. I shall always be grateful to them.”

To mark Teacher Appreciati­on Day on Tuesday, The Winchester School (Jebel Ali) student said she is planning a “special treat” for her teachers.

“I plan to make thank you cards and notes for them along with the promise to always work hard to make them feel proud of me.”

For senior faculty member at DPS Sharjah, Dr Nitesh Shah, one of the reasons he became a teacher

Teachers have inspired and helped me strengthen my skills and overcome my weaknesses to help me learn, grow and shine. I shall always be grateful to them.”

Aditi G,

The Winchester School - Jebel Ali

was to make a difference in the lives of students.

“If you want to help a child struggling with low self-esteem and problems at home, then become a teacher to encourage them and help them realise their potential.”

Teaching the Hindi language for 16 years, he said seeing children “grow in confidence” is appreciati­on enough for him.

Glen Radojkovic­h, head of school/CEO, GEMS Internatio­nal School — Al Khail, said teachers should be appreciate­d each and every day. “All of us, no matter our

If you want to help a child struggling with low self-esteem and problems at home, then become a teacher to encourage them and help them realise their potential.”

Dr Nitesh Shah,

senior faculty member, DPS Sharjah

occupation or success in life, owe a debt of gratitude to our teachers. Each of us, in multiple ways, grew as a result of the impact of dedicated profession­als, coaches, mentors or educators in our lives. There isn’t an occupation that education doesn’t impact or a nation whose investment in education has not benefitted.”

To mark today’s occasion, he said they will be presented teachers with a special lunch and “continued gestures of thanks throughout the week”.

kelly@khaleejtim­es.com

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