Teacher Appreciation Week

Students rely on teachers to guide them through important stages in life—whether advancing to the next grade, preparing for college, or offering mentorship.

Communities nationwide are celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, recognizing educators for their dedication, passion, and impact. This week, observed from May 5 to 9, is dedicated to honoring and supporting teachers.

“I try to keep my students thinking positively and focusing and goals and growth, rather than letting maybe small errors get in the way of how we’re viewing ourselves,” said Danielle Schwartz, an International Baccalaureate History of the Americas teacher.

Schwartz said her inspiration to become a teacher came from a deep belief in the importance of the role.

“I think that it’s just really getting to influence and support, and help others, is something that I think is just a huge, important, needed role. I was really lucky to go to great schools and to have great teachers, and I want to contribute back and kind of, you know,” stated Ms. Schwartz.

Her favorite part of teaching, she said, is seeing students reach that moment of clarity.

“…when students get something like it finally clicks, yes, exactly. That light bulb moment is just amazing. And then when they have that light bulb moment, and then they’re ready to share it with the next person. And they’re like, let me show you how I get it. That’s the best feeling,” Schwartz said.

During the hectic AP and International Baccalaureate exam weeks, teachers are busier than usual. Clare Chatfield, a senior IB Language and Literature teacher, describes the intensity of this period.

“Life is good as a teacher,” Chatfield said. “It is very busy right now for me, as it is for a lot of teachers at this time of year.”

She also emphasized the importance of simple, thoughtful gestures during appreciation week.

“…I got an email from a student I had last year who learned it was Teacher Appreciation Week, and just wanted to thank me for being her teacher last year,” Chatfield said. “And the student was not always, like, a great student. Missed a lot of school first semester, and then really got it together last year, you know, in the second semester, and just did amazing work.”

Chatfield believes that teachers often believe in their students before the students believe in themselves.

“I think a lot of teachers are like this. Sometimes they have more faith and confidence in the students than the students have in themselves, and I think she was able to kind of recognize that,” she added.

Reflecting on her role, Chatfield said, “…I feel lucky and proud to be able to do the job that I do. I really do, and I love working at Del Mar. I think that the teachers that I work with and the admin are just so supportive of students and and like, we want the best for the students, and so I feel like we’re all kind of rowing in the same direction.”