Volume 33

I've been fortunate to spend 16 years in EdTech. What keeps me excited to continue to devote my career to this industry? Quite simply, the teachers. Many may cite the impact on students, and while, of course, that's important to me, it's the teachers who have my heart and have fundamentally altered my life trajectory.

Teachers wield a power like none other in our lives. Teaching is the profession that creates all other professions. The average teacher affects over 3,000 students during their career, and 83% of students say teachers have boosted their confidence and self-esteem (Source: NCES).

Like many of you, a lot of who I am and what I do is because of one passionate teacher who took the time to believe in me. I'll never forget how my fourth-grade teacher, Mr. Follett, would look at me with a hint of challenge and intense belief in his eyes when he asked me to do something. I tear up even now writing this because it had such a monumental impact on a kid who was on a path full of self-doubt, non-belief, and apathy. Every time I pick up an interesting rock, identify a bird call, or figure out a challenging problem, I think of Mr. Follett and how my life would be fundamentally different if I didn't have his positive influence on me.

In my role at LCG, I'm lucky to talk to and hear from teachers every single day. Teachers are some of the most humble, dedicated, passionate, curious, and inspiring humans I've ever met. Ask a teacher to get something done with little time, no budget, and a mountain of challenges, and before you’ve finished asking, they'll already be halfway through the task. Their humor, grit, and intelligence are something I aspire to.

As May draws near, I urge you to do whatever you can to celebrate the remarkable humans that teachers are. Explore our gift guide for thoughtful appreciation ideas, and check out our popular post on what EdTech brands should try to avoid for Teacher Appreciation Week.

And because we like to always lead by example, our Foundation is donating over $25,000 directly to teachers in the Latinos for Education teachers in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week.

Take care,
Elana

PS: If you're an educator reading this, reply to this email for a token of appreciation from our Foundation.

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