For our next stop in #EducationNow, we have landed at Teacher Appreciation Week! Teachers are front and center in the transition to distance learning and the battle to provide education – no matter what is happening in the world.
“Teachers make such a difference in all of our lives, and you have shown so much resiliency with the quick switch to distance learning. Thank you for continuing to stay close to students and finding innovative ways to keep everyone learning during this time!”
Chuck Robbins, Chairman and CEO, Cisco
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. It is a week to celebrate teachers and to reflect on the teachers who have made an impact on our lives. At Cisco, we recognize that educators have one of the most important jobs in the world. Today, and every day, we say: Thank you teachers, for all that you do to bring learning and knowledge to the next generation, to light the way to a brighter future, and to connect the unconnected.
In my personal experience, my teachers have had an amazing impact on my life. My AP English teacher, Mr. Paul Meredith, is the reason I became an English teacher. He was smart and articulate, teaching me how to think critically and write clearly, and he made me fall in love with Charles Dickens and Great Expectations. Those experiences led me to where I am today at Cisco. Mr. Meredith would have been equally wonderful in front of a room full of students, as from behind a video screen. Great teachers are great, regardless of where they are!
Let’s hear from some other Cisco leaders on their #ThankATeacher moments and how teachers changed their lives!
“Our teachers have always had to be patient, flexible and creative. However, we are relying on those special abilities today, more than ever, as teachers all over the world pivot from the classroom to distance learning. Thank you for all that you’re doing to ensure that learning never stops!”
Tae Yoo, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Cisco
Did you know that Cisco focuses on social investment in education? From Science Buddies, which saw 49,000 teachers register, to Technovation, which reached over 17,000 educators and trained 620 instructors, we believe in the power of technology to accelerate education and empower educators.
“Teachers everywhere: Thank You. You are heroic and inspiring. Where there’s fear, you provide a sense of normalcy. During social distancing, you bridge the gap. And, with resiliency and agility, you show that learning never stops. Thanks for all you do for students, now and every day.”
Laura Quintana, Vice President and GM, Networking Academy, Cisco
“Teachers are a lifeline for our children’s social, emotional and intellectual wellbeing. Thank you to the teachers working countless hours to keep our children learning … Programs like Cisco Networking Academy are vital to making sure today’s youth have the skills necessary to succeed in tomorrow’s digital economy.”
Jordi Botifoll, President Latin America and Senior Vice President in the Americas, Cisco
Cisco’s Networking Academy has educated over 10.9 million students in 180 countries since its foundation in 1997. It is an ever-expanding community of students, educators, employers, NGOs, Cisco employees, and customers. With 26,500 educators around the world, the Networking Academy knows how important teachers are to change lives.
“Having spent two decades in various academic roles, I’ve seen the impact teachers have made in enabling students to reach their full potential. Beyond parenting, I can’t think of a more critical role in a student’s life.”
Guy Diedrich, Vice President and Global Innovation Officer, Cisco
Advancing education is a core feature of the Country Digital Acceleration blueprint. Developing the workforce to accelerate a country’s vision for its future is only possible with quality education and investment in the institutions and educators who form the next generation.
“My life path may have been set by my mother, but it was shaped by my teachers. From the basics like reading and math, to the most detailed like computer science, I owe so much to all the wonderful teachers and professors who chose to be educators. Thank you for everything you do, every day, and in every way!”
Aruna Ravichandran, Vice President, Global Collaboration / Webex Marketing, Cisco
All teachers know that collaboration is critical to a successful class. As we transition to distance learning, collaboration can be just as powerful online as it is in a classroom. Learn more about how Webex securely enables distance learning.
“COVID-19 is causing many challenges for teachers to stay connected – especially with their students. Through technology, teachers are finding creative ways to be united and engaged during this pandemic. It is inspiring to see the different approaches they are using to inspire and interact with students. Teachers are critical in the success of distance learning and are truly making a difference for our youth and our country!”
Nick Michaelides, Senior Vice President, U.S. Public Sector, Cisco
“Teachers have an indelible impact on our kids and our communities. We’ve always known this to be true, but the pandemic has shone a bright spotlight on the role that teachers play in our lives. Thank you to all the teachers for adjusting to a new normal on the fly, for finding new ways to share, communicate, teach, and lead, and for being a calm, consistent presence. Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Decades from now, when today’s kids have kids of their own, they will remember how you made them feel safe, valued, and loved in a time of overwhelming uncertainty. There are no words to properly thank you for that.”
Gerri Elliott, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Cisco
We couldn’t have said it better. Thank you, teachers, for all that you do!
What teacher made the most impact on your life? Join the conversation and stay tuned for our next blog in the #EducationNow series.
A Teacher can make a student, whatever he wants. Teacher plays a key role in setting up the mindest of student. Without a teacher and student, no profession will exist more days. Respect teachers, to learn from them.
As always, thank you to the Cisco leaders for their intentional and consistent efforts to make positive impacts on the global community. You are making a huge difference for millions of people and making Cisco a great place to work.