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Teacher Appreciation in Orange County Schools

13 men and women holding plaques at the Orange County Schools Teacher of the Year Banquet

Orange County Schools 2026-2027 Teachers of the Year
 

Thank you to all our amazing educators who serve every student in Orange County Schools every day to ensure they graduate with options available in further education, meaningful employment, and enlistment in the military. We appreciate you!

You dust yourselves off, day after day, and you do what is right for children. You build relationships. You create opportunities. You change lives — often in ways that will never fully be measured or captured.

Dr. Danielle Jones, OCS Superintendent

learn more about our ocs teachers of the year

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week from Dr. Danielle Jones

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!I want to take a moment to personally thank you for all that you do each and every day for the students and families we serve. Your work reaches far beyond the classroom. You are mentors, role models, advocates, problem-solvers, and a steady source of encouragement for children.

You show up with dedication and compassion, even on the most challenging days. You create environments where students feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving more than they thought possible. That kind of impact cannot be measured—it can only be felt in the lives you change and the futures you help shape.

Please know that we see you. We see your commitment, your expertise, and the countless ways you go above and beyond.

We recognize you as the professionals that you are and as the number one resource for our students. Your voice, your knowledge, and your relationships with students are at the heart of everything we do.

It is an honor to work with educators who care so deeply and give so much of themselves in service to others.

I sincerely hope you feel appreciated—not just this week, but throughout the year. Thank you for choosing to serve the students and families in our community.

Dr. Danielle Jones
Superintendent
Orange County Schools

More "Thank You" Messages for OCS Educators

Sending "Thank You" Cards

During the week of May 4-8, 2026, OCS received over 250 requests for digital "Thank You" cards to help educators celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week.

"Teaching is a work of heart" Teacher Appreciation Week thank you card graphic

 

We always strive to recognize and highlight the difference our educators make in the lives of students, families, fellow educators, and our community.

Please enjoy these messages of gratitude, including videos of teachers in action and students sharing what they love most about their teachers.

Stay tuned to OCS social media pages and feel free to share praise with any educator or staff member who changed your life for the better.

Thank you for helping us celebrate Orange County Schools educators during Teacher Appreciation Week, and all year long!

A Message from Teacher of the Year Finalists

Hear from our OCS Teacher of the Year Finalists about their journey to becoming educators, a message to their fellow teachers and students, and the value of being a teacher!

learn more about our ocs teachers of the year

News Headlines and Appreciation

The gratitude that we show — in sharing these stories and tokens of appreciation — goes a long way toward showing the lasting value of this work. Thank you!

Educator Spotlights

These and a growing number of stories show our teachers as leaders for students and families, as well as colleagues and our community.

Digital "Thank You" Cards

Here are just a few of the heartfelt words offered to OCS educators during Teacher Appreciation Week 2026. Thank you for sharing!

To: Courtney Humphrey, River Park Elementary

"You donut know how much we appreciate you" Teacher Appreciation Week thank you card

 

Ms. Humphrey - Thank you for making First Grade so memorable and wonderful for [our child]. We are so grateful for the memories she is making and her love for learning and helping others. You are a rock star and I know years from now she'll never forget you!!

(parents)

To: Johanna Evans, A.L. Stanback Middle

"Thank you a latte" teacher appreciation week thank you card

 

Thank you for all of your work with [my child] this year! You helped make it a great year for him and I'm so grateful for the wonderful learning environment you create for your students!

(parent)

To: Sydney Lewis, Hillsborough Elementary School

"Thank you for all you do" teacher appreciation week thank you card

 

Thank you for all that you do for the students, Ms. Lewis! You're an incredible teacher and role model. Ultimately we must show our appreciation by paying NC teachers like we truly value them - and that is something we will continue to promote in our family and social network. You all are the glue keeping society together, creating good humans, and we are soooo grateful.

(parents)

To: Michael Gilbert, Partnership Academy High School

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week thank you card

 

Mr. Gilbert makes his classes fun and entertaining in a way most students would love. He involves his students in almost everything he does in his classes. He shows he cares in his own Gilbert way but the students here love him for it. He'll help you get back on track, and make sure you do your best on it. Once Gilbert knows what you're capable of, there's no going back.

(student)