Barn owl sitting on a branch

© blickwinkel/Alam

Here’s looking at you, teachers

We think the wise, scholarly owl makes a fine mascot for Teacher Appreciation Week, which wraps up today in the US. The annual celebration honors educators who dedicate their lives to developing the minds of young and old, sparking curiosity and encouraging us to explore and think about the world around us. The celebration has a special significance this year, as teachers facing widespread school closures have quickly adapted their teaching methods, including the extensive implementation of remote learning. We're eternally grateful for their efforts, including the support they've given the parents who are stepping up at home.

Oh, and thanks to the efforts of our teachers, we know that our homepage friend is a barn owl—the most widespread land bird species in the world, found on every continent except for Antarctica. What did your favorite teacher help you learn?