Teachers play a critical role in shaping the future of our society by educating and inspiring the next generation.
In recognition of their contributions, Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated every year during the first full week of May. This week is dedicated to showing gratitude and appreciation to the teachers who make a difference in the lives of their students. Step Forward would like to take a moment and recognize the hundreds of Head Start staff members who go above and beyond every day to ensure their students receive a high-quality early childhood education.
From early morning prep inside the classroom, to evening and late-night lesson and activity planning, Step Forward’s Head Start teachers put in long hours to make sure their young students succeed. Their dedication, hard work, and passion for teaching is what makes them so special.
For more than 55 years, Head Start has been helping to ensure that each child has the opportunity to begin their education right and is prepared to enter kindergarten. The program is designed to provide comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family support services to low-income families with children under the age of five. Head Start programs operate in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. With nine directly operated sites and dozens of collaborative partners throughout Cuyahoga County, Step Forward has the largest Head Start program in the state of Ohio.
For Step Forward, Teacher Appreciation Week is not just about showing gratitude to teachers for one week out of the year. It's also about recognizing the hard work and dedication they put in every day. Teachers are the backbone of our educational system, and without them, our future would be uncertain. It's important to remember that teachers don't just teach subjects, they also teach life lessons and instill values in their students. They shape the minds and hearts of our future leaders.
The agency has made several investments toward the recruitment and retention of Head Start teachers in recent years. Step Forward is working to provide each Head Start staff member with a competitive salary, education benefits, professional development and more. Dr. Thea Wilson, Step Forward’s Vice President of Children and Families, has also been focusing on teacher wellness. Each Head Start site is now equipped with leg massagers and exercise bicycles.
“If you are looking for a job that makes a real difference in the lives of children and families, then applying for a job at Head Start is an excellent option,” Patrick Tripi, the Site Administrator for Lakeview Terrace, said. “Working at Head Start allows you to make a positive impact in your community by providing quality education and support services to low-income families. You will be helping children who may not have access to the same opportunities as their more affluent peers to reach their full potential.”
Tripi added that positions within Head Start have a direct impact on the lives of children and families. Each individual who works with Step Forward will be part of a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to helping the residents of Cuyahoga County succeed.
Throughout Teacher Appreciation Week, students, parents, and administrators can show their appreciation to teachers in a variety of ways. One way to show appreciation is to simply say thank you. A heartfelt thank you can go a long way in acknowledging the hard work and dedication of teachers.
Give your child a Head Start and enroll today! Click here.
Step Forward Head Start is hiring!
The agency is offering a sign-on bonus of $1,000 for full-time employees and $500 for part-time employees.
Positions include teachers, family service workers, nutrition aides and more. Step Forward Head Start is looking for education staff passionate about preparing young students for the future and helping them develop a love for learning early. Take a step toward a new fulfilling career today! Learn more and apply to open positions here.