With Gratitude: Honoring Our Teachers & Certificated Staff This Week

Dear PUSD Community,

Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9) is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to shout from the rooftops — THANK YOU to all of our phenomenal certificated team members. That includes teachers, counselors, librarians, psychologists, nurses, full-inclusion specialists, SLPs, social workers, clinicians, and every dedicated professional supporting our students day in and day out.

It was inspiring to hear heartfelt stories from families and students during the Pleasanton PTA Excellence in Education Awards. It’s always a reminder that your work doesn’t just change test scores — it changes lives.

I watch how our teachers, counselors, specialists, and all those working directly with students show up every day — how they listen, build trust, and shape the culture in classrooms, hallways, and playgrounds. They’re not just delivering instruction — they’re creating connection and belonging.

That’s what I try to reflect and model in my own teaching and leading. Their presence, their heart, their consistency — it’s inspiring. And let’s be honest: their work is not easy. It’s emotionally demanding, it’s constant, and it’s deeply human. And in an era where automation is on the rise, let me say it clearly — our students will always need people, and we all benefit from the care and commitment our certificated staff give us. 

Our certificated PUSD members represent the human in humanity. And in this grand and imperfect experiment we call public education, they’re right at the center — doing the most important work in our community. I see it, I value it, and I’m grateful beyond words.

Please join me in celebrating our 2025 PUSD Teacher of the Year, Maestra Esperanza Jimenez, a 5th grade Dual Language Immersion teacher at Valley View Elementary. Whether she’s co-teaching, mentoring colleagues, or cheering at soccer games, Maestra Jimenez inspires bilingual brilliance and builds lasting bridges between school, home, and heart. ¡Felicidades, Maestra!

We’re also proud to share that at the May 8 Board of Trustees meeting, PUSD will bring forward a resolution recognizing May 5-9 as Teacher Appreciation Week and May 6 as California Day of the Teacher.

Let’s celebrate together! This week, I ask that you please take a moment to send a thank you, write a note, or post a shoutout on social media using #ThankATeacher and #SchoolNursesDay to a teacher, nurse, or other certificated team member. In these times, I hope this brings some joy to you, too.

With deep appreciation and a grateful heart,

Maurice Ghysels
Interim Superintendent
Pleasanton Unified School District