The quotations are brief, to the point and have special meaning.

&#8220Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource.” - John F. Kennedy.

&#8220The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future life.” - Plato.

&#8220Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” - Malcolm Forbes.

&#8220The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth.” - Dan Rather.

&#8220The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book.” - Anonymous.

The world in which we live today is full of givers and takers. Fortunately for us all, we are exposed to teachers who epitomize the gift of giving, who take our most precious possessions, our children, and help develop not only their skills but also their personalities and their value systems en route to becoming whomever and whatever they choose.

Saluting those classroom heroes during National Teacher Appreciation Week is but a small way of showing our gratitude for their dedicated and devoted efforts.

Teachers teach, to be sure. But they also guide, challenge, coach, discipline, push, mold, encourage, correct, love, inspire and care.

And, importantly, through their everyday walk, they set an example, one that often has a lasting impact on even the tiniest of admirers.

Who among us doesn't have a treasured story that centers on a favorite teacher? Who among us doesn't look back with gratitude on a classroom experience or a school event with fond recollection? Who among us shouldn't be saying once again, &#8220Thanks,” to that unique person who, years later, continues as our conscience or who continues to influence our lives?

&#8220A good teacher is like a candle; it consumes itself to light the way for others.” - Anonymous.