This time of year, I’m always thinking about the teachers…
With Cade in grade school, and Cass in middle school, I am submerged in all their academics and activities, as each day I am handed paperwork for upcoming events and end of the year state testing- among other things. I’m so grateful that my kids are pretty wonderful students, both behaviorally and academically- I know how hard it can be for both the parents and the teachers with those students who struggle.
I have always been a big fan of teachers. Many moments in my life have been defined by them… And I see the impact they have on my children and countless kids they encounter in their classrooms. I have learned the profound passion they hold for their calling. They have such a powerful role in their students’ lives. And as I am parenting my own children and sending them off every day to spend much of their time soaking in the wisdom and perspective of their teachers, I truly thank God for them every single day. As a parent, my awareness of all they do, and the gratitude I have for them has grown tenfold.
Their job is hard, people.
The classrooms have never been so full. The state standards have never been so challenging. The diversity and the culture of school has changed drastically since I was there, and I can only imagine the pressure they feel every day to do their job successfully. One thing I know for sure, is that they don’t get enough praise and credit for the daily efforts and energy they invest in our kids, to ensure that our kids are receiving the best education possible.
Sure, there are issues with our education system. Sure there are teachers that shouldn’t be teaching. But I can testify to the remarkable ways teachers have impressed upon my own kids every single year that they have been in school. Because of these invaluable people, my kids have grown tremendously under their tutelage, and I for one, am forever thankful that these people are doing what I cannot.
I have many home school friends that I admire with all my heart. I am amazed at how they nurture such a loving and learning environment at home. I choose each year, wrought with worry, to send my kids to public school… and every year I am pleased with my decision.
I believe in these teachers. My sister has been teaching in public high school for over 30 years. She has given her heart and soul to those kids. Her passion is relentless and her hard work is seen every day in guiding these teens into their future. It’s tough work, getting up at the crack of dawn every day to face a day filled with crowded classrooms of kids that need much more than curriculum.
They need inspiration.
I see the evidence of a teacher’s heart and mission in my own kids.
My daughter has enjoyed her relationships with every single teacher she has had, and she has been inspired to learn as much as possible under their encouragement. Recently this year, three male teachers have volunteered to lead a guitar club after school on their *own time*. Apparently, at one club meeting, these guys heard Cassidy sing as she strummed the guitar to a song she ‘googled’ the chords to, and they decided she needed to perform in the all-school talent show with their back up. They have had extra rehearsals and even encouraged her to sing another song as well.
They did this all off the clock, my friends.
And that is just one of the hundreds of examples of how many, many teachers have gone above and beyond their call of duty. Oh, there are many stories from the years she has been in school- and many more with my son. Each and every teacher I know has proven to have a passion for education and a love for kids, and that leaves a beautiful imprint on the hearts of my children…
And me.
If you feel compelled to celebrate and support the teachers in your life, please head over to Scary Mommy and read the article I wrote for our teachers. Share it, tag teachers you know on FB, send it via email to your kid’s teachers… do whatever you can to show your support for these amazing people. Their influence is powerful.
They deserve some praise, don’t they?
Let’s show them the appreciation they deserve!
Click here to read my post.
Heading over to read as I am and will always be a teacher at heart 😉
I am SURE you will like it Janine!! Teachers are just amazing… <3
Yes! Yes! YES!! I couldn’t have said it better myself!
Oh yes Tammy! I know you feel the same way!! Teachers are incredible people. I am constantly amazed in all they do…
Going. This is lovely too.
Thanks Sarah!! I’m so glad you liked that piece on Scary Mommy. <3
Much praise definitely Chris. I admire teachers. They need our support. Some are amazing in the way they inspire our kids, inspire us, and make a real difference in the world on a daily basis. I am heading off to read your article on Scary Mummy!
Marie, thanks so much for reading this one and the Scary Mommy piece! Some teachers have literally changed the course of kids’ lives… just because they are so invested in their growth, their learning, and their voice. THOSE are the teachers who are truly dedicated to our youth for all the right reasons!
Hi Chris! My daughter is a special ed teacher, and I know how much she works for the children under her care. She sets up a classroom on her own dime, which just astonished me. I had no idea that was common practice.
You are a mom who stays in touch with her kids and their progress. That doesn’t happen all the time. She can stay compliant with the plans for the students, but if they don’t get support at home, all the care in the world means nothing.
Bless you for your involvement. It is no small thing!!
Blessings,
Ceil
That is just incredible that your daughter has to be responsible for her classroom set up financially! I’m not surprised though… I think so many teachers ‘invest’ so much more than we know in our kids. Such remarkable people that are, including your daughter!! <3
I am married to a teacher and I work in an elementary school as a clinic aide. I cannot agree with this article any more!! Teachers carry so much on their shoulders with such grace!! Male and female teachers alike, hold a special place in the educational system. These people teach because it is a part of who they are, there is a passion that pushes them!
There area teachers I know that work in private schools for close to nothing… simply because of their dedication to the kids and their love for teaching them. Oh, how teachers truly are amazing!!
I will check it out (tomorrow) but so agree that teachers need more praise and respect than they get!!!
Exactly Kim!! Teachers really do deserve praise and respect EVERY day. I never will take their jobs for granted. I also know how much they work toward the end of the year… and the stress can be overwhelming! I hope parents acknowledge how important they are to their kids. I know when I was teaching, that meant so much to me. 🙂
OF course I’m heading over after! We have teacher appreciation week here in early May and I’m going to participate or donate. I think it sounds lovely.
They deserve that year-round, in fact. I still remember the teachers who touched my life. From decades ago.
I do too, Tamara. It’s really amazing the impact teachers can have on their students!! They do deserve praise and support every day of the year!
Yes to everything! My mother was a teacher for 30+ years. My husband is a middle school teacher and while I have a home-based daycare/preschool, I also consider myself a teacher to these little ones. No one would do this job without some measure of love and dedication to not only children, but to learning. Thanks for this post.
Oh you are ABSOLUTELY a TEACHER, Nicole!!! You are so right… “No one would do this job without some measure of love and dedication…” So true!! What does your hubs teach? That is so cool! I wish he taught my daughter. 🙂
I work for the Duluth Schools.
98% of the teacher kick ass w/ their talents!
And they give 150 % !!
xxxx
EXACTLY!!! 150% and kick ass!! They work SO hard… oh so hard!!
YES! Going now 🙂
Thank you love!!! 🙂
We are so blessed to have wonderful teachers in our childrens lives! their school really is fantastic and I love that it shares so much with the community and strives to involve us parents in our children’s education.
They even have private Facebook groups for their classrooms now!! So the teacher can share throughout the day special things that are happening and upload pictures. It’s fantastic!
That is just AWESOME Leslie!!! Wow. I wish our school did that!! I’m so glad you are so happy with your school too! 🙂
Teaching is the most noble profession indeed. And I must add, the most powerful as they help mold the young minds into the persons they will become. 🙂
A salute to all our teachers, both inside and outside the walls of schools.
Have a wonderful weekend!
AMEN to THAT Lux!!! I love how you said “…both inside and outside the walls of schools” YES YES YES!! There are countless teachers outside of school that have the very same impact on our kids!
Yes! Reading your other post now!
Thanks so much for stopping by here first, Sarah!! 🙂
There are a few teachers who have truly left a mark in my life, and I mean that in a positive way. Their job is certainly difficult, and yes, they deserve to be applauded.
Me too Tarana… teachers can leave a lasting imprint on our lives. It’s such a powerful role they have!! They absolutely deserve our praise!
I love this! Yay for the teachers. I’ve loved each and everyone of my children’s teachers, except one:). But she did care, that I will say. Teachers are amazing and my hero! Off to SM now…
Yes!! Teachers sod deserve more praise and support. And despite there being a few that don’t make the ‘cut’- there are countless others who rise to the calling so beautifully! I’m so grateful for them!!
I used to teach ESL (here in IL) and EFL (in Brazil) to adults. I loved it, but it was certainly taxing.
Teachers are amazing!!
Thank you for giving them the warranted attention and praise.
With heart,
Dani
P.S. Going to visit now…
Oh, Dani! What an experience that must have been. I love learning more and more about you… like uncovering a treasure piece by piece. <3
Their job IS hard. I couldn’t do it for even half a day. Seriously. I’m so grateful that there are so many so willing to do a job that is often under appreciated. Great post!
I know Meredith… AGREED!!
Such a great reminder for me…I’ve been mentally picking on one of my kids’ teachers for not caring…and maybe she really doesn’t but this offers some different perspective, so thanks! Off to check out your other article now.
My wife is a teacher, her sister is a teacher and both of our daughters are teachers. I have heard the war stories but I have also heard many fun and uplifting stories. It is a shame that our education system has broken in places but as long as there are good teachers who care, there will still be future leaders, thinkers, business owners and many others who will be inspired by their teachers.
AMEN to THAT!! I have so many teachers in my life that work so hard to inspire their students to thrive in learning and I’m absolutely sure they make a difference. I agree… those amazing teachers are having a huge impact on their students! I’m so glad you came by to read this. 🙂