As Superintendent of Schools, I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to all McDowell County Schools’ teachers, not only during this week of teacher appreciation – but every day. Helen Adams said, “Teacher appreciation makes the world of education go around.”

Teaching is the profession that teaches all other professions. According to Plato, “The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future life.” What you do matters. Teachers can never tell where their influence stops.

Lily Tomlin, well-known actress/comedienne, said, “I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework.”   Good teachers don’t just give the right answers; they ask the right questions.

I believe there is no higher calling than the education, care and well-being of our young people.  Please accept my gratitude for what you do for the students of McDowell County and always keep in mind the words of Christa McAuliffe, teacher/astronaut, “I touch the future; I teach.”