When we think of heroes or influencers, who are the first ones that come to mind? Was it teachers?

Probably not, yet teachers are some of the most influential people in a child’s life.

They give of themselves selflessly — wiping snot, grading papers, diffusing arguments, planning lessons, instilling values and lending listening ears. They pour their hearts, time and resources into the lives of their students.

It’s no surprise, then, that many people will say that the most influential people in their lives have been their teachers.

I’m no different. As I look back on my childhood and teen years, I can see how my teachers had a profound impact on my life.

For instance, my kindergarten teacher, Kristi Butler, and assistant, Penny Harmon, are the reason that I’m here, sitting at a desk in the Salisbury Post’s newsroom today. They saw the little girl who struggled with reading and worked with her and her parents until it transformed from a chore to a joy. Through reading, I learned to write — a skill I use every day.

My fourth-grade teacher Nancy Allen challenged me academically and helped me become an independent learner. I still vividly remember some of her hands-on lessons to this day.

Jamie Baldwin, my high school choir teacher, taught me what it is to live life boldly. She taught me that hard work and perseverance pay off. She taught me how to see beauty through music.

Influential teachers didn’t stop after high school, however. Dr. Joseph Webb’s media writing class at Gardner-Webb University laid the foundation for me to pursue a career in journalism. Webb took me under his wing, introduced me to new opportunities, encouraged me along the way and even facilitated an independent study course for me. He invested his time and energy into helping me become the best that I could be.

There were countless others — Anna Gale, David Kowalke, Terry Schnake and Zane Smitley — just to name a few.

Now that I’m an adult, I’m blessed to say that I can still call some of these teachers my personal friends. These teachers’ lessons transcended the classroom and still stick with me today. They all went above and beyond. They invested in their students and challenged us to learn, grow and think for ourselves.

That is why we dedicate an entire week to letting our teachers how much we appreciate them. Their love, their dedication and their support are what will help children succeed later on in life.

Teacher appreciation week is about more than just sending in homemade desserts and cutesy gifts, although they love those as well.

Contact education reporter Jeanie Groh at 704-797-4222.