Dear Editor:

The school year isn’t ending the way many of us expected. Across Wyoming, traditional, in-person schools have closed their doors to stop the spread of COVID-19. This has forced teachers to change their approach. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to recognize their heroic efforts because they are on the frontlines of ensuring no student is left behind.

As a teacher at Wyoming Virtual Academy, I know firsthand the adjustment it takes to get used to online teaching.

Seeing how my brick-and-mortar peers are handling this transition is inspiring. They are putting in hard work to convert their lessons into digital presentations and fostering student success along the way — all while dealing with a global health crisis that is plaguing every community.

During this week I want all teachers to take a moment to be proud of the work they’re doing.

For those who are parents, as I am myself, they’re balancing their classes while helping their kids from home. Parents are also going the extra mile to help their kids transition to online school.

This is a difficult time for everyone but your efforts to add a sense of normalcy to students’ lives is courageous. If there is a teacher in your life who’s made an impact on you, make sure to let them know how much you appreciate them.

Jenn Schultze

Buffalo