Focus On: Educator Appreciation

May 2025

Last week, we celebrated National Educator Appreciation Week—a meaningful time to reflect on the many educators who have shaped our lives. Whether in our earliest days of school or during the transformative years of Middle and Upper School, surely we have all been fortunate to have an adult in school who saw us, heard us, valued us, challenged us, and in some cases, changed the trajectory of our lives. Perhaps it was a school counselor or a support staff member who always knew the right thing to say. Maybe it was someone who was working in the dining room and knew our exact order every single time. 

The work we do in education is some of the most important work anyone can do. As educators, we are so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with our young people who are destined to be tomorrow’s doctors, entrepreneurs, innovators, scientists, authors, artists, and so much more.  There is no question that the content and skills we teach are critical for their future success. But my own personal journey reminds me that it isn’t what these adults taught, but how they made us feel, that remains with us. Educators instill confidence, empathy, resilience, and curiosity in their students, which carries them into adulthood.  Famous educator Christa McAuliffe said,  “I touch the future; I teach.” So right she was!

In that spirit, we were incredibly moved by your support of WT’s second Day of Giving, which offered families the chance to honor and express gratitude for our educators in a meaningful way. Your generosity helped make the day a resounding success, and your notes of appreciation and acts of kindness meant the world to our faculty and staff. Thank you.

Final Thoughts for Now…
It’s hard to believe that “May-hem” is upon us and the end of the 2024–2025 school year is in sight. There is so much to celebrate in these final weeks—student achievements, performances, milestones, and the remarkable guidance of our educators along the way. I look forward to seeing many of you at these upcoming events as we close out another incredible year together.

Warmly,

Scott D. Fech, Ph.D.
Head of School