Roya Winner, right, hugs teacher Kristie Leo as first grade and kindergarten students jump over fire as per tradition to celebrate Nowruz or Persian New Year at Woodroe Woods School in San Leandro on March 20.

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week this month, we honor the educators who guide and inspire students every day, and the vital role they play beyond instruction.

Teachers are more than educators. They are mentors and partners in strengthening our schools. In classrooms across California, especially in underserved communities, teachers work alongside student success coaches — AmeriCorps members who provide tutoring, classroom support and relationship-building to boost engagement, attendance and academic success. These partnerships give teachers more time to focus on instruction while helping create stronger, more connected learning environments.

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Just as important, teachers help develop the next generation of educators. By mentoring student success coaches, they model effective teaching and leadership along with the interpersonal skills necessary to teach in today’s environment. Many coaches go on to become teachers themselves, entering the profession better prepared and more........

© San Francisco Chronicle