A Tropical Week of Gratitude: Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week at The Nest Schools
Teacher Appreciation Week at The Nest Schools was filled with sunshine, smiles, and heartfelt gratitude as schools across the country came together to celebrate the incredible educators who make such a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families every single day.
This year’s tropical-themed celebration transformed staff lounges and classrooms into little slices of paradise, bringing moments of joy, relaxation, and appreciation to our teachers throughout the week. From colorful leis and tropical treats to catered lunches and heartfelt notes from families, every day was intentionally designed to remind our teachers just how valued they are.
We kicked off the week with “Welcome to Paradise,” where teachers were greeted with tropical drinks, leis, and cheerful surprises waiting for them in the staff lounge. The celebrations continued Tuesday with “Sun’s Out, Snacks Out,” featuring snack bars filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and fun tropical-themed treats to help keep our teams energized throughout the day.
Midweek focused on wellness and self-care during “Rest, Relax & Recharge.” Schools created calming spaces with tropical music, thoughtful self-care kits, and opportunities for teachers to pause and feel appreciated amid their busy schedules. Thursday brought everyone together once again for “Tropical Treats,” where catered lunches gave teams time to connect, laugh, and celebrate one another.
The week concluded with “Aloha, You’re Amazing,” a heartfelt finale centered around gratitude. Throughout the week, families, children, and fellow staff members shared notes of appreciation recognizing the impact our teachers make every day. On Friday, those messages were presented to teachers as a reminder that the care, patience, creativity, and love they pour into their classrooms never go unnoticed.
While the tropical décor and themed celebrations brought plenty of fun to the week, the true heart of Teacher Appreciation Week was found in the meaningful moments shared between teachers, families, children, and school leadership. Across every school, one message remained clear: our teachers are deeply valued, appreciated, and celebrated for the incredible work they do.
At The Nest Schools, we believe that creating a culture of kindness and wellness starts with supporting the educators who help children learn, grow, and thrive. Teacher Appreciation Week was just one small reflection of the gratitude we carry for our teachers all year long.
To every teacher across The Nest Schools: thank you for the countless ways you make learning magical, comforting, inspiring, and fun. The impact you make reaches far beyond the classroom, and we are so grateful for everything you do.
We invited our Teachers to share the passion behind what they do every day, and here’s what they shared:
“I teach because I love making a difference in the minds of the little people and know some day they will become someone very special in this world and that I helped them from the start”
-Gail Andre, Lutz Ducklings Teacher
“I teach because I love to plant the seed of curiosity in minds of Little humans , because they are the future of this World.”
-Deepa Tharani, Dublin Robins Teacher
“I teach because I love to see a smile on a child’s face when they realize they can do it!”
-Kimberly Spriggs, Clayton Mechanical Penguins Teacher
“I teach because I value innocence, and no one shows it better than kids.”
-Juna Hasani, Rocky River Cardinals Teacher
“I continue to teach because it’s even though each day is planned, there is always a unexpected moment or interaction with a child, their parents or a staff person that makes me smile and appreciated. Even today, a parent of one of my new students told me that I was a breath of fresh air. There was also a sibling of one of my former students who went out of his way to come to my class to say hello even though he hadn’t ever been in my class.”
-Debra Paat, Muirfield Penguins Teacher
“I teach because I love watching littles grow, and watching them do the things I taught them in the classroom.”
-Olivia Criss, Amherst Hummingbirds Teacher
“I teach because every child deserves someone who believes in them before they believe in themselves.”
-Da’Jona Miller, Hamden Cardinals Teacher
“I teach because I love watching children learn new skills. Watching them become empowered by growth and possibilities.”
-Tina McCall, Clayton Mechanical Cardinals Teacher
“I teach because CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE! And I believe that it truly takes A VILLAGE to RAISE THE FUTURE LEADERS OF AMERICA 🇺🇸!!”
-Octavia Smith, Greensboro Cardinals Teacher
“I teach because if I make one child feel loved and appreciated it can change the world.”
-Dawn Janda, Canton Penguins Teacher
“I teach because I want to make learning fun and help little minds shine.”
-Roopa Rathi, Matthews Robins Teacher
“I teach because Monday-Friday is not a job to me. Caring for children is a way of life I get compensated for. Helping children on their milestones is more than a pleasure. “
“I teach because there is no better feeling then watching the moment an idea in a child’s brain clicks! The big “ah ha!” moments, the “I did it Ms Stephanie!” moments, the ones that you never expect and yet each time it happens I am filled with so much pride because they learned something new and were excited to share it with me. There is no better feeling.”
-Stephanie Lauzon, Longmont Robins Teacher
“I teach because I love to watch children grow”
-Jessika Rogers, Columbine Ducklings Teacher
“I teach because it was my 8th grade teacher who showed me I was worth loving.”
-Taneill Bryant, Greensboro Cardinals Teacher
“Me gusta compartir con cada uno de los niños en clase conocer cada uno tienen algo diferente pero todos son adorables y me gusta enseñarles números y colores en español porque siempre tendrán un bonito recuerdo de sus maestras que les hablaban español.”
-Karla Chavez, Loganville Penguins Teacher
“I teach because even on the hardest day, there’s always a reason to keep going and every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and capable. I also believe in the power of small moments to change a life. Shaping hearts matter just as much as shaping minds.”
-Lydia Jimenez, Carmel Cardinals Teacher
“I teach because little minds grow into big dreams.”
-Alexia Paredes, Hamden Penguins Teacher
“Three years ago, I walked into this daycare not knowing just how much it would become a part of me. Since then, it’s been filled with little hands reaching for mine, first steps I got to witness, and tiny voices calling my name. It’s been early mornings, long days, and moments that somehow stay with me long after I leave. I teach because of the relationships — the babies who grow into big personalities, the families who trust me with their whole world, and the bonds that don’t end when they move up or move on. I teach because these aren’t just children I care for… they become part of my heart. And being someone they feel safe with, loved by, and excited to see every day is something I never take lightly. Three years later, it’s not just a job to me. It’s memories, connection, and purpose — all wrapped into one. And I’m so grateful I get to be part of their beginning.”
