This is our week to honor the incredible team of teachers and instructional assistants that we are so blessed to have in Lunenburg County Public Schools.

We truly appreciate the meaningful and hard work that our teachers do every day, not just during this week where the accomplishments of our instructional teams are celebrated in school across our region, state and nation.

I am reminded every single day that Lunenburg’s teachers are dedicated to the success of each and every child. They provide hope to the neediest young citizens in our community.

They also provide stability in attitude and encouragement to succeed to all students in Lunenburg County schools.

They are being successful in ensuring that every student’s needs are met and prepare them for a pathway of future success in the 21st century.

Lookup “teacher” in the dictionary and you will likely find this definition: one who instructs.

But there are a few adjectives missing from this definition … patient, knowledgeable, dedicated, compassionate, inspirational, hardworking … the list goes on.

As a caring professional who connects with students and strives to discover what they are passionate about to unlock their potential, you do so much more than simply instruct students.

On behalf of the school board and this great community, it is my privilege to extend a heartfelt message of gratitude for the work that our teachers and instructional assistants do.

It is true that teaching is a calling — not a profession — and I am so honored that our teachers and assistants have chosen Lunenburg County Public Schools as a place to make a difference in the lives of others.

I encourage our community and parents to join me in appreciating our educational team members this week and in the weeks and years to come.

Your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed and we thank you for your work and impact that extends far beyond the boundaries of the classroom.

Thank you for being extraordinary and inspiring students to reach for the stars!

Charles M. Berkley Jr. is division superintendent of Lunenburg County Public Schools. His email address is charles.berkley@k12lcps.org.