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Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all the amazing educators out there! Our generous partner Virginia Lottery, which helps us support educators through our digital demos, hosts a Thank a Teacher campaign each year. In addition to having guests leave notes for educators while they were in our Art Lab, Virginia's STEM Coordinator Chuck English wanted to get in on the praise. Here's his letter thanking STEM educators for the inspiring work they do each and every day.

Don't miss your chance to acknowledge the Virginia educators in your life. You can even send a digital thank you note through the Virginia Lottery at ThankATeacherVA.com.

Dear Virginia STEM educator:

Thank you. You likely do not hear that enough, so let me share it again: thank you. I bet when you do hear it, you brush it off quickly, not because you don’t like hearing it, but because you’re busy. You’re putting all your energy into lessons that spark inspiration in the students you teach. And each spark is different for each student, and comes at a different time. I know each spark is backed by your countless hours of hard work.

I was an educator for many different grade levels, from elementary school through community college. I know how hard it is to develop a curriculum, adhere to standards, incorporate recent references and exude excitement. During Teacher Appreciation Week, I hope you can slow down and soak in every bit of praise and appreciation you get. You deserve it.

Virginia is a rich educational state, one that has worked to ensure students have numerous opportunities to learn and grow. Through STEM, we help students understand the application of what they are learning. Through your lessons, youth start to see a typical task as a means to use scientific thinking, implement a new tool or technology, design a solution or interpret the experience through numeracy. This integration helps prepare students for the dynamic needs of tomorrow.

I have worked with many educators and educational leaders across Virginia. I’m always impressed how you teach integrative STEM. I’ve watched STEM programs using stories at the elementary level to open-ended investigations at middle schools. In high school, I’ve participated with students in investigating community-focused problems, including studying regional ecosystem changes, designing solutions to traffic jams, improving recycling and increasing data access. You’ve inspired me as I engage with students on their ideation and plans for implementation. I have seen what many of our students are capable of, especially when supported by educators like yourself.

I’m here for you. And I’m not alone. The Commonwealth of Virginia and the Science Museum of Virginia support your STEM education efforts. We’re here for you so you can continue to ensure your students have enriching opportunities. I’m sharing your successes with state agencies and leaders so others may also learn from them. I’m a bridge, taking best practices I see from you and sharing them with your colleagues. Integrated STEM education takes coordination, it takes support and it takes time. These efforts grow as a result of your work, day in and day out.

So, it’s worth repeating again, thank you.

With my deepest appreciation,

Chuck English
Virginia STEM Coordinator