From coast to coast, north to south and all points in between, the country is filled with women and men who play a vital but strangely under-appreciated role in our lives. They are our teachers.

They are the people who show us how to read, solve algebra equations, accurately hit a softball, discover science, technology, engineering, the arts and math. Let’s not forget learning about history, government, chemistry, drama, literature or even how to speak in front of an audience.

Teacher do all this and much more. They are also counselors, arbitrators, coaches and sponsors.

The National Education Association has set aside this Tuesday, May 9, as National Teacher Day. It’s intended as “a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.”

Students and parents alike can show their gratitude in any number of ways. They might be tokens of appreciation, such as gifts, cards or treats from students and parents.

The local governments can do their part by fulfilling as much of the requested school budgets as feasible.

And students could do one thing more that would truly show their appreciation: Paying attention in class and concentrating on the lessons provided. They might well discover their instructors have something worthwhile to teach them.