Northwest ISD Families,

We are coming up on a time to celebrate our NISD teachers and staff. Next week, May 1-5, we will recognize our Northwest ISD team, and I encourage you to reach out to the teachers, administrators, office staff, bus drivers and maintenance workers that make a difference for you and your students – we know they make a positive impact on the lives of students.

Educators need to feel your support and always appreciate a pat on the back and your thanks. Our staff are the backbone of Northwest ISD – they are what makes this district great. They selflessly serve our students, community and each other, and together are working to develop future generations of leaders who will go out and make a positive difference in our world. 

While all NISD employees are amazing, I especially would like to recognize our teachers. It is true, the primary function of our teachers is to teach, but as you’ve certainly experienced, their efforts go far beyond imparting knowledge. Our teachers truly connect with students and inspire curiosity, hope, confidence and the pursuit of excellence. They serve as role models, cheerleaders and a shoulder to cry on. From celebrating losing that first tooth to offering support over the loss of a loved one, our teachers often provide support when it’s needed most.

What our community doesn’t always see is the work (and the amount of it) that happens when the school doors close and on staff’s personal time. Beyond grading papers and daily preparations, most if not all take personal time to find new ways of connecting with kids, research how to better meet needs and fill gaps and even attend students’ games and programs to show support and build relationships. Likewise, they invest in their own growth and development to further improve their skill and engagement with students.

Never before have teachers and staff needed your support and appreciation more. While many would expect that society would come out of the pandemic appreciating educators, the inverse sometimes seems to have taken place. Educators are often drawn into the political rhetoric and culture wars.

On behalf of the Northwest ISD Board of Trustees, we need your help to ensure that the culture of Northwest ISD remains one that values, respects and supports our amazing teachers and staff.

One of an educator’s greatest rewards is knowing the life-changing difference they make for students, so please join us in recognizing their efforts and celebrating their impact on our students. Please take a moment next week to personally thank those educators and staff members who mean the most to your children. Our schools and PTAs have also scheduled special recognitions, appreciation meals and other events that you can participate in at your local school. You can also share your photos or messages of support on the district’s Facebook page.

Next week and in the months and years to come, be intentional in sharing the positive experiences you have with our staff. Please help us in building up our teachers and staff in the community. Tell others the stories behind your child’s teacher, the new concepts learned and how he/she went above and beyond for your child. As we strive to attract, value and retain the best teachers for our kids, we need your help to maintain and restore the value and appreciation for this priceless profession.

Thank you for helping us build a culture that values and appreciates educators!

Sincerely,

Dr. Mark Foust
Superintendent