How do you say thanks to a special teacher?

Have you hugged a teacher lately? Probably not.

In fact most of us don't have a whole lot to do with teachers. The job of educating our children and grandchildren grows more difficult every year but from where we are standing, we haven't seen the rewards keep pace with the hassles of teaching.

If you are lucky, you'll get one good teacher in your life. The 2007 Spirit of Education awards are geared to those teachers who make a difference.

In today's Bee, readers will find an entry form to nominate teachers for many different honors. Categories include: Innovation, inspiration, extra mile, community service, global village and shining star.

Local businesses and civic groups have come together with the Bee to launch this program. Now we need your help.

With a week to go, we need more entries. Remember, good teachers aren't going to lobby to be nominated so it falls to students, parents and grandparents to get busy.

We have all had that special teacher. Now is the time to recognize him or her.

When you have a few moments, won't you fill out the nomination form and help recognize a hero of the classroom?

? David Keyes is publisher of the Daily Bee. His favorite teacher was Mr. Albertson, who trusted him to be the editor of his high school paper for two years.