Dear Editor,

I would like to take this opportunity to say a great big thank you to our teachers. This week has been designated as teacher appreciation week, and if they ever needed our encouragement and prayers, it is now.

It is that time of year when state testing, finals, grades, etc., are due. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts, our teachers are facing even more stress, including furloughs, reassignments and layoffs.

Being a retired teacher and the son and husband of teachers, I know very well how overwhelming times can get. I would like to offer to our teacher friends this word of encouragement. Know that what you do affects eternity, and there is no higher calling than to teach a child. Ephesians 1:16 says, “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayer.” God bless you and keep up the faith and great work.

Mose Mock