Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed May 8-12 as Teacher Appreciation Week.

What’s not to appreciate?

“Teachers help our kids learn and grow into their best selves and are the foundation of a high-quality education from preschool to postsecondary,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Every child in Michigan deserves a high-quality public education, and I am proud that my fifth proposed budget includes the highest per-student funding in Michigan history for the fifth year in a row. The budget will continue our work to support current educators and grow the profession, by funding scholarships, paying student teachers and supporting retention efforts.”

The per-pupil allowance now is $9,150. The budget, Whitmer said, includes the highest per-student investment in Michigan history without raising taxes and free breakfast and lunch to all Michigan public school students, making it easier for kids to learn and educators to teach in classrooms.

Whitmer urged residents to thank the teachers who “made a real difference in our lives and work together to help them succeed in the classroom.”

Not only is this week Teacher Appreciation Week, May is Teacher Appreciation Month.

According to the Office of Educator Excellence, Michigan has more than 91,000 public school teachers working as of May. Will that always be the case? Burnout and low pay sometimes outweigh the intangible benefits teachers derive from their jobs, and we hope these issues continue to be addressed.

“Working together within your classrooms, schools and communities and engaging with stakeholders is part of the education process,” a letter to teachers from Whitmer and Michael Rice, superintendent of the Michigan Department of Educations, reads. “Teaching is a challenging occupation that requires you to wear a lot of different hats. You support children academically and socioemotionally. Each of you serves as a consistent, positive, trustworthy presence in your students’ lives.”

Teachers can’t be with their students 24/7, but many educators — particularly elementary teachers — spend a good chunk of their day with them. Not only are they entrusted with teaching them reading, writing and arithmetic, but they also have to be good role models and set a good example for students.

Many weeks are created to recognize certain segments of society, but teachers especially are deserving of appreciation — and not just this week, but the entire year.

We encourage parents to get involved with their children’s school districts and listen and learn from the people who teach them and guide them through their formative years.