LAND O’ LAKES – Members of the District School Board of Pasco County approved a proclamation designating May 5 to 9 as Teacher Appreciation Week.
Each member also took some time to express gratitude for the work of Pasco County Schools teachers. These were not hollow words as most school board members have experience in education while one member, Colleen Beaudoin, fought back tears during her remarks.
Here is what each member had to say:
Colleen Beaudoin, District 2
We often see students come to our board meetings for recognitions that include outstanding achievements in science fair and National History Day; our Cambridge, IB, AP recognition; artistic and musical performances; athletics; and more.
The accomplishments of these students are in a large part made possible because of the dedicated teachers in this district who provide extra opportunities and support both inside and outside the classroom.
I just want to thank all the teachers who go that extra mile to challenge and coach our remarkable students.
There are also many students who we do not have the privilege of recognizing at our meetings. These students are also remarkable and they too have compassionate teachers who work tirelessly to help them reach their goals.
Thank you for not giving up on our students who have special challenges and needs. Thank you for providing accommodations and for taking time to speak with concerned parents.
Thank you for helping that seventh-grader overcome a paralyzing fear of large spaces, so that one day he could deliver a thesis presentation in a packed university auditorium.
Thank you for not giving up on the student who struggled with writing, so that one day\ he could type that paper and share his research.
Thank you for spending time with the young lady who needed additional help with math, so that she could go on to become a nurse and help others.
Thank you for seeing past the challenging behaviors and seeing the potential in every child. Being a teacher is not for the faint of heart. It is hard. I am grateful for all you do for our students and our families. You are exceptional.
Thank you for your dedication, professionalism and passion during Teacher Appreciation Week and always.
Megan Harding, District 5
As a former teacher and now a proud member of our school board, I want to take a moment during Teacher Appreciation Week to thank you, not for just what you do, but for who you are.
I know firsthand that teaching is not just a profession, it’s a calling, it’s early mornings, long evenings and 100 small decisions each day that shape lives in ways most people never see.
You Inspire curiosity, meet challenges with resilience and show up day after day with dedication and heart. The impact you have goes far beyond test scores and report cards. You’re shaping confidence, building character and helping students see the potential in themselves – sometimes before they can even see it on their own.
As someone who has walked in your shoes, I see you, I appreciate you and I want you to know that your work matters. It matters deeply.
Thank you for your service, your passion and your unwavering commitment to our students.
Know that this week, and every week, I celebrate and I’m thankful for you.
Cynthia Armstrong, District 3
I do want to express my gratitude and how proud I am of our teachers and the staff that support them.
Often at the end of a hard day, a teacher thinks, “Am I really doing anything constructive here? Am I having an impact?”
But I just want to say, it’s a career of delayed gratification. It’s after you’ve been a teacher for years and the students grow up and then they come back and visit you or see you in the gym and say, “You were my teacher. You were fantastic. You did so much for me.”
And you had not a clue that you were even reaching them, that they even knew you existed.
It’s something that you just need to remember when you’re down that the students that are out there do remember you and will come back and thank you.
I just really want to express the gratification that we have for the work that you do all year.
I’m sorry we have to wrap it all up in just one week. It’s really something that is ongoing.
Jessica Wright, District 4
I know that some of our schools celebrate on different weeks, just depending on testing.
As a teacher, I know how hard it can be to kind of slow down and enjoy those appreciation moments, especially during such a busy time of year.
Sometimes you can almost be like, “Oh I don’t want to stop for a plate of tacos. I have things to do.” But enjoy the plate of tacos. Take a moment and just take a breather.
I also just wanted to encourage our administration as well to take as much off our teachers’ plates as you can – not just during Teacher Appreciation Week, but all the time, especially if they’re showing up for those extras.
If they’re there in the evenings, if they’re staying late – comp time. We support comp time here, so give them that flexibility to make sure they can manage everything and show them appreciation through your actions and not just your words.
So I just wanted to say thank you to everybody.
Al Hernandez, District 1
Teaching is definitely a calling. This is Teacher Appreciation Week, so I want to say thank you to all of our teachers for their continued hard work and support.
Proclamation Recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week
Whereas, teachers are the backbone of America’s system of free public schools; and
Whereas, great teachers bring powerful learning experiences to students through innovative, engaging, and personalized approaches to teaching and learning that prepare them to lead fulfilling, successful lives; and
Whereas, teachers challenge and inspire students every day to change the world; and
Whereas, teachers keep American democracy alive by laying the foundation for good citizenship and strong communities; and
Whereas, teachers continue to influence us long after our school days are only memories by instilling a love of learning and a lifetime commitment to seeking new knowledge; and
Whereas, teachers fulfill our mission of providing a world class education for all students, and help us achieve our vision that all of our students will achieve success in college, career, and life.
Now, therefore, the District School Board of Pasco County does hereby proclaim the week of May 5 – 9, 2025, as Teacher Appreciation Week, and encourages Pasco County businesses to join us in recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week.
Duly signed at a regular public meeting this 6th day of May 2025.
The District School Board of Pasco County, Florida
