4 reasons we're saying ‘thank you’ to teachers

1. Teachers inspire at every age and every stage

Whether it was an art teacher in third grade, a biology teacher in high school, or a mentor during graduate school, our most memorable teachers continue to impact us as we advance through our careers and lives. These NOAA employees want to thank teachers from all stages of schooling.

Director of NOAA Education, Louisa Koch, shares that teachers make the world an all around better place!

Natasha White, Ph.D., with NOAA’s Office of Education, thanks all the teachers she’s come across from elementary school to high school and through graduate study.

Meteorologist Adam Roser points out that teachers themselves never stop learning.

2. Teachers see potential in us when we don’t see it in ourselves

Sometimes it’s hard to see our own potential. That’s one of the great things about teachers — they help us see the best parts of ourselves!

Meteorologist Tim Schott remembers a specific teacher who provided support and confidence in his younger years.

Audrey Maran, Ph.D., with NOAA’s Office of Education, didn’t think she would ever become a scientist. Now, she’s thanking her undergraduate professor who showed her that anyone is capable.

Meteorologist Stefanie Sullivan is grateful to her 10th grade teacher who helped guide her path to success.

As an Asian American woman, Lisa Kim, with NOAA’s Office of Education, didn’t see people who looked like her in the field of ecology. She’s thanking Dr. Tim Hoellein, her undergraduate professor (who later became her graduate advisor), for introducing her to ecological research and supporting her educational and career goals.

3. Teachers introduce us to fascinating science and studies

You never know which details will capture a student’s imagination and curiosity, sparking a lifelong interest in the natural world. These experts can still recall specific lessons from middle and high school, and they’re grateful to the teachers who brought those memorable experiences to life.

Teachers are constantly trying to find new topics and ways to present information to spark interest in their students. Though they don’t always get to see that effort pay off, Meteorologist Linda Gilbert says that it can inspire a career years later.

John McLaughlin found that a powerful teacher can inspire a love of learning in addition to fascination with science.

Dedicated teachers create lessons that students remember years later. Meteorologist Tanja Fransen thanks the teachers who made science so fun and memorable for her in high school.

4. Teachers encourage curiosity, wonder, and creativity

These experts agree that a teacher’s influence can extend far beyond their subject matter, setting us up for transformational experiences. In short, educators can truly change our lives.

Thanks to the encouraging teachers in her life, Knauss Marine Policy Fellow Maggie Beetstra hopes to never stop asking questions and looking for answers.

Gabrielle Corradino, Ph.D., with NOAA’s Office of Education, has two specific teacher’s she’d like to thank for “inspiring the next generation of scientists every time they’re in the classroom.”

Inspiring teachers — like Brianna Shaughnessy’s biology teacher — help us understand and value the world around us.

Maggie Allen says that her confidence and creativity were able to flourish due to a teacher’s motivation and influence.

Feeling inspired to thank one of your favorite teachers? Tell us on social media! 

Use #ThankATeacher and #TeacherAppreciationWeek and tag us @NOAAEducation — we’d love to hear who inspired you along the way!

Find opportunities that are available to educators through NOAA.