Other than our parents, few others in our lives have as much influence as our teachers.

We can all right now conjure up a memory of a beloved teacher who showed us the way, kept us on the straight and narrow, served as a mentor, counselor, changed the direction of our lives for the better.

It is fitting we are highlighting, with stories and photos, the work of 21 teachers who have been nominated for teacher of the year awards sponsored by the Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce.

These teachers, who were nominated and, being judged by their peers for the awards, are the best of the best in our schools.

Often, theirs is a thankless job. Many teachers routinely use their own funds to buy supplies for their students. Children don’t always have a home life that prepares them adequately, and teachers find themselves taking on parenting roles out of sheer necessity.

School is often a refuge for children whose lives at home are chaotic at best. Teachers become their source of love and nurturing.

Teaching, like so many industries, has faced changes because of advances in technology. And it’s certain those changes will continue. Teachers, who once used a chalkboard to communicate with students, now do so on computers, laptops and smart boards. In order to better educate our children, they must continue to educate themselves. Couple all of the above with legislators, who think they know better what our students need than teachers, and you’ve got one difficult profession.

We are thankful for the good ones, and we know that number is many. We appreciate what you do, your sacrifice, the extra lengths you go for the benefit of our children.

Your work makes our community stronger, and we are grateful.