I attended a conference recently, and on the bus to the convention center I sat next to a man from New York who is a pipe fitter. When he found out that I was a retired teacher, his first words were, “Teachers have a tough job.”

He continued to praise the efforts of teachers, despite the hardships and low pay, ending with, “I have the highest respect for teachers.”

A few days later, as I stood in the boarding line for my flight, the people ahead of me were discussing with another couple their grandchild’s experience with a specific teacher. The couple was praising the efforts of that teacher because the child was blossoming under his/her tutelage.

Each of those situations reinforces what I already know: the majority of parents supports educators, yet they rarely express their gratitude directly to the individual(s). They praise the educator to their friends or family but never consider sending an email or note of encouragement to the person.

American Education Week (Nov. 16-20) is a perfect time for people to contact educators and administrators to share words of support for individuals who dedicate their lives to providing the highest-quality education for our children.

The 10 minutes taken to compose a note or send an email can make a difference that will last for many years. I still have a note from a student written in 1980.

I thank all educators, educational support members, administrators, office staff personnel and the substitutes in the local schools.

Susan Grondin, Lewiston