Today is Thank a Teacher Day! At CoachBright, we know that great teachers don’t just teach - they inspire, guide, and transform lives. Thank a Teacher Day is the perfect opportunity to recognise some of the educators who go above and beyond to support their students, both inside and outside the classroom.
Working with schools across England, we see firsthand how teachers go beyond the curriculum to uplift their students. From supporting our programmes to empowering young people every day, they are mentors, cheerleaders, and sometimes even lifelines. We’re especially grateful to the educators and schools who partner with us to deliver our coaching programmes, helping young people build confidence, resilience, and academic skills. Our work wouldn’t be possible without teachers who believe in the power of student-led learning! Today, we celebrate their dedication, patience and unwavering belief in their students’ potential.
Stories of Gratitude: The Teachers Who Made a Difference
We asked a few team members to share some heartwarming messages about the educators who have shaped their journeys, reminding us that great teaching leaves an indelible mark at every stage of life.
Mr Arnall - The Mentor Who Helped Me Find My Way
"On Thank a Teacher Day, I’d like to acknowledge the head of year I had when I first started secondary school - Mr Arnall. Making the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 can be unsettling, and it was for me. For reasons that are clear to me now, but weren’t at the time, I began misbehaving in class and was a difficult student when I started secondary school. Mr Arnall was strict and had high standards, but he also made sure he took the time to find out why his students were acting in certain ways. He spent a lot of time just sitting and chatting with me during and after school and, without me noticing, helped me settle into this new environment and engage with my learning again. I have a lot to thank him for."
- Joe, CEO of CoachBright
Mrs Todd - The Teacher Who Believed in Me More Than I Did
"On Thank a Teacher Day, I have so many teachers I’d like to thank. Without many of them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. If I had to pick one, I would like to thank Amanda Todd. She taught me PE and Sport Studies in high school. Her belief in me far surpassed my belief in myself. Despite having challenging classes to teach, she still took the time to know me as an individual and boost my confidence. I won’t ever forget that. I hope she’s still teaching and unleashing her little bit of magic to help young people grow in their belief in themselves. It was something truly special. Thank you, Mrs Todd!"
- Beth, Director of Programmes
Beyond the incredible work of transforming and inspiring young people, teachers also enable organisations like CoachBright to create lasting change. We're privileged to work alongside incredible educators who go above and beyond to support peer-to-peer learning.
Emma Dunkley - The Educator Who Goes Above and Beyond for CoachBright
"As part of Thank a Teacher Day, I would like to express my gratitude to Emma Dunkley for her support throughout our Peer to Peer programme at DSLV. It has been a pleasure working alongside her to lead the programme. Emma is incredibly proactive and involved, from helping our Year 10 coaches with session plans and printing resources, to ensuring they had dedicated time to prepare - and even bringing snacks to keep students motivated about attending the sessions. It was also clear how much the students respected Emma, which speaks volumes about her character and impact. Her involvement made a real difference to the smooth running and success of the programme!"
- Jasmin, Programme Manager
Whether it’s a teacher who helped you through a tough transition, a mentor who believed in you when you didn’t believe in yourself, or an educator who goes the extra mile to support programmes like CoachBright, today is the day to say thank you! Here are some of the best ways to celebrate the educators who’ve made a difference in your life.
Write a Thank-You Note
A heartfelt message can mean the world. Whether it’s an email, a handwritten card, or even a social media post, let them know how they’ve impacted you.
Share a Memory
Did a teacher inspire you, encourage you, or help you through a tough time? Share your story with them—or even publicly, like our CoachBright team did!
Support Their Work
Many teachers spend their own time and resources to support their students. Consider donating classroom supplies, volunteering, or advocating for better support for educators.
Who would you thank this #ThankATeacherDay? Share your story, or take a moment to reflect on the educators who changed your life. Let’s make sure they know their impact lasts far beyond the classroom!