It’s not every day that school instructors get credit for the work they do — the training, the many hours before during and after classes, as well as extracurricular needs demand a lot of the people who choose to teach our children.

Earlier this week, the Isle of Wight County School system acknowledged the contributions of instructors who’ve stood out in their work during the year.

This is an annual practice of teachers honoring their peers, and it’s one we’re glad to highlight.

Four teachers in our readership stand out: William Flythe Jr. of Georgie D. Tyler Middle School was named the 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year; Marcy Holt of Carrsville Elementary School was named the Elementary Grade Level Teacher of the Year; Windsor High’s Adam Shipman was named the top teacher for his school; and Windsor Elementary’s Jennifer Shaffer was named the top teacher for her school.

We think it’s significant that of the three instructors available for interview, all credited their students for being the motivation that keeps them in the classroom day after day, month after month and year after year.

Their principals also noted how well the honorees connect with the children they teach. GDT Principal Dr. Steven Marable pointed out the special respect that Flythe has for his students, and that’s returned in kind. WHS Principal Daniel Soderholm noted, “As a math teacher, Mr. Shipman is always looking for new ways to reach our students and connect them with the curriculum. He has created tools for students to use beyond the classroom.”

We congratulate the selected teachers this year, and hope they remain inspired to teach for many more years to come.