Season of Thanks: 10 Reasons to Be Thankful for Teachers


| by Lauren Donmoyer

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When I think back to my days as a teacher, I remember the joy and challenges that came with every day in the classroom. Teaching wasn’t just a job — it was a calling, a chance to make a real difference in the lives of my students. I was there for the “aha” moments when concepts clicked, the quiet encouragements that helped a shy student find their voice, and the countless ways that each day brought new opportunities to connect and inspire. 

Now, working with Moreland University, I’m grateful to still be part of this incredible profession by helping more teachers embark on their own journeys. As we enter a season of gratitude, I feel especially thankful for teachers everywhere. Whether you’re a current or aspiring educator, here are 10 reasons that show why teaching is one of the most impactful and rewarding professions. I hope they serve as a reminder of the immense joy, purpose, and difference that teachers bring to the world every day.

1. Teachers Inspire Lifelong Learning

Reflecting on my own time in the classroom, I know firsthand that teaching is about more than sharing facts; it’s about sparking a love for learning that can last a lifetime. There’s something magical about seeing students’ eyes light up as they discover something new, their curiosity pulling them deeper than any textbook ever could. At Moreland, we encourage aspiring teachers to create these moments, too, equipping them to inspire students to think critically and explore beyond the lesson.

2. Teachers Shape Future Leaders

When I look back, I remember the many students who left my classroom more confident, more curious, and better prepared to take on challenges. It’s amazing to think about the impact teachers have on developing tomorrow’s leaders. Whether it’s coaching a student through a challenging project or watching them thrive in a school club, teachers build leadership skills that echo far beyond the classroom walls. 

This includes encouraging learning from mistakes — which I empowered my students to embrace. Mistakes help build steppingstones for our students to grow as learners and achieve their fullest potential. As teachers, it’s our responsibility to create an environment where students can learn from mistakes and to also share our own passion for and experience with growth because of mistakes, challenges, and obstacles — which inspires others to embrace these avenues of learning in their own lives. At Moreland, we help teachers-to-be create environments where students can develop the confidence and critical thinking they’ll need to lead in their communities.

3. Teachers Foster a Sense of Belonging 

One of the greatest joys of teaching is creating a classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and accepted. A place where students can be themselves without fear. I always worked to make sure my classroom was a space where students knew they belonged, and it’s heartening Moreland emphasizes this same value. Our programs teach future teachers how to build inclusive, diverse, and welcoming spaces for all students, making every child feel like they have a voice.  

I’m sure you can think of that one teacher and that one classroom where you felt a deep sense of comfort, acceptance, and safety. Those experiences stay with us, don’t they? They shape who we become and what we believe is possible. For me, those memories were the foundation of my own teaching philosophy — inspiring me to create a classroom community where students felt that same sense of peace and belonging every day. 

Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I encourage you to take a moment to recall that one teacher, that one classroom, that sense of belonging. I hope you find you’re as inspired as I was to use your core memories to shape your overall classroom environment and inspire a community of learners.

4. Teachers Encourage Resilience and Perseverance 

Some of my proudest moments as a teacher came from watching students persevere. Teaching isn’t just about helping kids understand easy concepts; it’s about standing beside them when the going gets tough, encouraging them to believe in their own resilience. We teach this at Moreland, too. Our programs focus on helping future educators develop strategies that support students through their struggles, showing them that setbacks are just steps on the path to growth. 

5. Teachers Serve as Role Models 

Teachers are role models in every sense, whether we realize it or not. Our students notice how we handle challenges, how we treat others, and how we carry ourselves. They remember these examples long after they leave the classroom. That’s why at Moreland, we’re so committed to preparing educators who not only teach but also inspire through their integrity, empathy, and kindness. By setting these examples, teachers help students learn more than academics — they learn values. 

6. Teachers Build Lifelong Skills 

Academics are vital, but some of the most lasting lessons I taught involved life skills: teamwork, time management, communication. These are skills that serve students well no matter where they go in life. I’m proud that Moreland’s project-based approach gives aspiring teachers the tools to help students grow not only as learners but as capable, collaborative individuals ready for the real world. 

7. Teachers Advocate for Their Students 

As a teacher, I often found myself advocating for students’ needs — academic, social, or emotional. Sometimes, I was the first to notice that extra support was needed, and I worked closely with parents and school staff to ensure each child had what they needed to succeed. At Moreland, we emphasize this critical role, helping future teachers build the skills to communicate and collaborate effectively to be strong advocates for their students.

8. Teachers Bring Communities Together 

Teaching isn’t just about what happens within classroom walls. Teachers play a big role in connecting schools to the wider community, from organizing events to encouraging family involvement in school activities. I loved seeing families come together for events that helped them feel invested in their children’s education. At Moreland, we prepare future teachers to foster these community connections, helping create a support system that strengthens the entire school. Our global cohort model also connects teachers with educators around the world, creating a sense of community that transcends geography.  

9. Teachers Adapt to Meet Students’ Needs 

No two students are the same, and teachers quickly learn the importance of adapting to meet diverse learning needs. I loved the challenge of finding new ways to reach each student, whether that meant trying different strategies, integrating technology, or finding extra resources. At Moreland, we equip our future teachers with the flexibility to tailor their approaches, ensuring they’re ready to meet the needs of all learners in an ever-changing world. 

10. Teachers Make Learning Fun 

Making learning fun isn’t just a bonus — it’s essential to keeping students engaged and eager to learn. Some of my best teaching memories are of the hands-on projects, field trips, and interactive lessons that brought excitement and joy to learning. At Moreland, we encourage aspiring teachers to bring creativity into their classrooms, making learning an adventure that students look forward to each day.


Teachers are so much more than educators; they’re mentors, leaders, advocates, and role models who shape lives and communities in countless ways. I’m deeply grateful to be in education and to be able to support so many more teachers on their journeys. At Moreland University, we’re committed to preparing the next generation of educators to continue this essential work.  

If you’re already teaching or thinking about starting, know that the qualities you admire in other teachers are the same ones you can cultivate in yourself. And remember, the impact you make will be felt by students, families, and communities in ways that go far beyond the classroom.

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