This is a contributor-submitted Voices piece. We invite you to write for us. Learn how to share your voice here.

By: Andrew Sullivan, the the general manager of the Downtown Greenville Staples.

As the general manager of the Downtown Greenville Staples, every year I get to meet excited students, parents + teachers who are all getting ready for the first day back in the classroom. One thing remains true every year – back to school season would be nothing without the teachers who work tirelessly to inspire the next generation.

Think back to when you were a student. Do you remember a time when a teacher went above and beyond for you? They gave you extra attention to help you pass a big test, grasp a new concept or just listened to you or helped you work through an issue? Or can you think of a teacher who has made an impact on your child’s development?

Well, maybe it’s time to pay that forward.

To show appreciation for all the great teachers in the Greenville area, Staples has launched #ThankATeacher, a campaign that encourages everyone to say thank you to the teacher who has had a lasting impact on them. A recent survey commissioned by Staples found that three out of four Americans reported having had a favorite teacher, and over 83% said that a teacher had a meaningful impact on their life – yet nearly one-third of respondents said they hadn't thanked them, but wished they had.

Now through September 14, you can say thanks + nominate a teacher on social media (Twitter or Instagram) using the hashtags #ThankATeacher and #Sweepstakes and tagging @StaplesStores. Ten teachers’ schools will then be selected to receive $10,000 in Staples gift cards to use towards school supplies!
We invite the full community to join us in our stores this back to school season to prepare for the upcoming school year. We offer a broad assortment of top-quality products + the best brands, featuring the latest trends, colors and patterns in stock all season long. Through our Classroom Rewards, Greenville parents can contribute 5 percent (up to $250 in Staples rewards) of their back-to-school purchases to a teacher or school of their choice, now through September 15, 2019. So, you can feel good about your purchase.

Truly, back to school season would be nothing without the teachers who work tirelessly to inspire the next generation. I, personally, believe very strongly in this cause, and as a proud Greenville resident, I’m excited to see which teachers are nominated!