This time of year is my absolute favorite.  The days and evenings are packed with celebrations, everyone is on the lookout for joy around every corner, and we all take a moment to breathe and to be grateful for all that is in our life. As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving, we at the Network for Educator Effectiveness want to extend our deepest gratitude to all those we have the privilege of working with. This season of thanks is the perfect time to reflect on the incredible dedication and hard work that each of you brings to your school and your community.

To School Districts: Your unwavering commitment to fostering environments where students can thrive is truly inspiring. Your leadership and vision set the stage for success, and we are honored to support your efforts in creating impactful educational experiences. We learn from you, and you bolster us with your feedback and involvement.  We feel like this is a true partnership with each of you, and we are always eager to listen, engage, and improve based on our conversations.

To Teachers: You are the heart and soul of education. Every day, you inspire and challenge the next generations, and let’s face it, sometimes that’s tough! Your passion and resilience do not go unnoticed. We are grateful for your dedication to excellence and your relentless pursuit of knowledge and growth. We are grateful to honor you and to share your successes.

To School Leaders: Your guidance and support are the pillars that uphold our educational communities. Your ability to lead with empathy, strength, and vision ensures that both teachers and students have the resources and encouragement they need to succeed. Your commitment to all the small things, to providing the best environment, and to help others are things you should be proud of each day. We are thankful for all you do and the visions you all carry forward.

At NEE, we are committed to supporting you in your mission to provide high-quality education. We are thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with such dedicated and passionate individuals. As we look forward to the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to helping you achieve your goals and continue making a difference in the lives of students.

We look forward to sharing our own improvements and our visions for the future soon. For now, and at this Thanksgiving, we celebrate you and the incredible work each of you do. Thank you for your partnership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to education. May your holiday be filled with joy, gratitude, and the warmth of loved ones.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tom Hairston is the Managing Director of the Network for Educator Effectiveness and has worked with NEE since 2011. Prior to his work with NEE, he worked as a Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports Consultant for the Heart of Missouri Regional Professional Development Center at the University of Missouri. He began his career in education as a high school special education and language arts teacher and football coach at Moberly High School in Moberly, Mo. Tom received his PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri in 2012.

The Network for Educator Effectiveness (NEE) is a simple yet powerful comprehensive system for educator evaluation that helps educators grow, students learn, and schools improve. Developed by preK-12 practitioners and experts at the University of Missouri, NEE brings together classroom observation, student feedback, teacher curriculum planning, and professional development as measures of effectiveness in a secure online portal designed to promote educator growth and development.