One of our favorite bumper stickers says, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.”

But it goes deeper than that, really. Besides a parent, a teacher can be one of the most influential people in a child’s life.

They give them the tools to be successful in school and in life, and they make a difference in the direction they take by arming children with knowledge from school books and life’s lessons.

This week, during American Education Week, it is a special time set aside to honor educators across the country and here at home, those still teaching and those who have retired.

And rightly so. Their contributions to generations of children are many and varied.

A number of events in schools throughout Talladega and St. Clair counties this week are designed to show educators just how much they are appreciated. We may not always show it, but we all recognize the impact of the work they do on a daily basis.

We salute teachers this week and every week. Their gifts to children are unparalleled and if you can read this, you know who to thank.