As we move through these final days of the school year, I wanted to take a moment to express gratitude for the work you do and the impact you have on students every day.

Teaching is one of the few professions that touches every other profession. Long after students forget specific assignments or lessons, they remember people. They remember the teacher who believed in them, encouraged them, challenged them, and helped them see more in themselves than they may have seen on their own.

Richard Elmore reminded us that, “The primary work of schooling occurs inside classrooms.” That truth serves as a powerful reminder that the most important work in our system is not found in buildings, budgets, or programs. It is found in the relationships you build and the learning you inspire.

Teaching is a noble calling because it asks individuals to invest themselves in the lives and futures of others. Thank you for your dedication, your expertise, and the countless ways you change lives every day. Your influence reaches farther than you will ever know.

This week I’d like to recognize Heather Bakrim Miller, the principal of Oakridge Elementary. Here’s some of what her teachers had to say about her:

“Heather Miller is an Outstanding Principal because she leads with genuine care and purpose. She’s deeply committed to making sure every student is seen, supported, and given the chance to succeed. She greets every staff member with kindness, and values input from all teachers and faculty. I feel like an important team member, and that my opinions and thoughts count, through working out and understanding challenges together. She sees the person first and approaches problem-solving with compassion and practicality. She is approachable and always willing to listen. She gets to know, and involves all students and families, through positive interactions, such as rewarding good student behavior with fun activities. Her office is always open for any questions, or just to visit for a few minutes. Her smile and welcoming nature have been so great to experience. She brings fun and positivity every day, and her leadership makes our school not just a place to learn, but a place our students want to be.”