Rancho Mirage Elementary Honors Educators During National Teacher Appreciation Week

As National Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, one local school is going above and beyond to celebrate not just teachers, but the entire campus team. Rancho Mirage Elementary School is recognizing the deep impact educators and staff have on students’ lives—both inside and outside the classroom.

“We treat it as staff appreciation,” said Principal Dr. Shane Hagar. “Because here at Rancho Mirage, everyone plays a huge part in the lives of our students—to make sure they’re safe, secure, and having a great time every day.”

From emotional support to academic guidance, teachers shape more than just curriculum—they help shape futures. One teacher shared that her own fifth-grade teacher had adopted her, inspiring a lifelong commitment to helping students with similar backgrounds.

The message was echoed by others, who emphasized the powerful influence teachers have. “They need to be appreciated more because they deal with a lot of things many people don’t want to—and they do it with love and a smile,” said one staff member.

Dr. Hagar also called on fellow school administrators to uplift their teams, especially as the end of the school year approaches. “When everyone’s tired and working hard, it’s so important to show our appreciation and come together.”

The celebration at Rancho Mirage Elementary stands as a reminder: teaching is not just a profession—it’s a calling, and one that deserves recognition year-round.

Kai Beach, NBC Palm Springs.