Students, today is the day to thank your teachers

Dubai - Students and principals across the country will take a moment to spread messages of gratitude and put the spotlight back on the teacher.

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?"
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 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 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

KT NANO EDIT: 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.

• Dubai