National Teacher’s Appreciation Week is upon us from May 3rd- May 7th and National Teacher Day is May 4th. It’s the perfect time to appreciate teachers in your life, past or present. Who do you know that is a teacher? Your child’s teacher, a friend, a family member, maybe one of your own teachers from a college or grad course? There is surely someone you know that is a teacher. I’m proud to say that I have been a teacher for 15 years working alongside terrific teachers that impact lives every day. During this week teachers are thanked for their service in this wonderful profession. Here are some important reasons why you should show a little teacher appreciation not only this week but every day.
Teachers Spend a Lot of Time With your Child
Your child’s teacher, especially their elementary teacher, spends a great deal of time with your child. In some cases, teachers spend more time with a child than the parents do. Crazy, right?! Students spend 7-8 hours a day in their elementary classroom. Do you know how many students of mine called me “mom” and I have answered, “What?” It is just second nature that students become part of your “family” and everyday life. Teachers in middle and high school spend a lot of time working with students during their class period and connecting with students outside of school as well, in after-school programs, clubs, tutoring, sports, and more. Teachers spend a lot of time nurturing and building relationships with students and their families. Student-teacher relationships don’t always end on the last day of school. I am happy to say that I still keep in touch with many of the students I have taught and have become friends with their families.
Teachers are Hardworking
Teachers work long and hard. Some might argue that teachers don’t work as hard as other professions because they don’t work nights, weekends, and holidays, and teachers are “off” in the summer (yeah, right!). But that is not necessarily true. Teachers put in 8-10 hour works days plus take home tons of work to grade and to plan for on nights and weekends. I have even spent spring and winter break catching up on work. All of these overtime hours take away from my own family. And during the summer, teachers attend lots of professional development and do a lot of planning to be prepared for the next school year. Don’t believe me that teachers work a lot of overtime, then read Teachers work more overtime than any other professionals, analysis finds – Education – TES News.
Teachers are Dedicated Professionals
Teachers are dedicated to their students and to education. Teachers will do whatever they have to do to meet the needs of their students. They are your child’s cheerleader, voice and advocate in schools. We think, eat, and breathe new and innovative ways to teach and engage in the best practices to serve all students. Teaching is not a job that ends when the school bell rings. It is a profession that goes home with you. There are countless nights that I have planned lessons in my sleep and in the shower because coming up with great ideas and planning meaningful lessons to engage different kinds of learners is a 24/7 job.
Teachers Are Not in it for the Money
Let’s get real…teachers do not teach for the big bucks. Teachers teach because they have a passion for teaching and for student success. Teachers go above and beyond what this profession demands, not getting paid a single dollar for overtime or volunteer work. It takes a pretty special person to care about others in that way without asking for anything more in return. Student success is a reward in itself.
Teachers Teach Against All Odds
Teachers teach against all of the challenges in education, like lack of funding, budget cuts, large class sizes, little resources, lack of support, poor administration, testing demands, socio-economic challenges, little or no professional development, and the list goes on and on. Teachers teach regarding these challenges and are proactive in finding solutions to these problems. Teachers will be the first to go into their pockets to buy classroom supplies for their students, buy lunch for a student in need, or stay after school to tutor a student who needs help.
So be sure to thank a teacher in your life. Remember teachers not only teach students but teach all other professions. That makes teachers pretty darn important, like a superhero! So give a hug, hi-5, or handshake to a teacher superhero in your life, not only this week but every day.
Want to Show Some Teacher Appreciation Lovin’? Here’s how:
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Write a teacher a nice card or note from student and parent.
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Send in an apple or flowers with a note of appreciation.
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Give a teacher a gift card to their favorite coffee shop, restaurant or book store.
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Donate supplies to the classroom.
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Join the PTA in providing fun activities for each day of teacher appreciation week in your child’s school (Make or donate food for teacher appreciation breakfasts, lunch, snacks).
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Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
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Christine Weis is a passionate educator, classroom management coach, wife, and mom of two busy boys. She enjoys teaching, writing, and creating resources for teachers.
As a retired NYS teacher, it’s always refreshing to read positive comments about our marvelous profession!! More continued awareness needs to be made so teachers can get the respect, along with a fair salary, for what they do every, single day!!! Educators are awesome!!! You all shine!!
YES!!! I completely agree…respect, fair salary and appreciation goes a long way. I began my career teaching in Brooklyn, NY. I am amazed by teachers and their dedication and hard work in this challenging profession that teaches all other professions. Thank you for your service in education. Also, thank you reading and for sharing your thoughtful comment.
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Lovely post! Enjoyed reading 🙂
Jill
http://www.jilldap.com
Thanks for reading Jill! Appreciate it!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
My friend is a teacher and we discuss this topic a lot. People forget the amount of time and effort teachers put into a child. And it is sad that they are not always recognized for that. This was an awesome post!
Thanks so much Darlene! I agree that people forget how much time a teacher puts into one child. I appreciate your comment and reading this post!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
My mother in law and friends are teachers! I have so much respect for them they work so hard.
I’m so glad to hear that Elizabeth! Thanks for reading this post and for leaving your comment! Christine at For The Love of Teachers
As I teacher, it is so sweet when families take the time to send their child to school with a homemade card or treat. As a parent, I know how busy life can get and to take time out of our busy schedule to think of their teachers is important. It helps my own children respect and appreciate all that their teachers do for them. As teachers, we help raise our students! After all, it takes a village to raise a child!
It sure does take a village! As a teacher yourself you surely do understand how important it is to teach children to appreciate their teachers. It’s our job as educators and parents to teach our kids to value education and educators. Thanks for your comment! Appreciate it!!!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Great job!!! Yay for appreciation!
Thanks so much Ashley! Appreciate you reading and commenting!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Teachers are the parent partners in the village of raising our children. Your reasons are so correct as the why they should be appreciated during this special week. Preschool teachers are often overlooked in this industry, but they are just as valuable as Elementary, Middle and Hight School teachers.
Well said…it takes a village and Teachers are hands down parent partners. I was once a preschool teacher and know it was challenging. I always appreciated my sons preschool teachers because we know how hard they work and how little they get paid. Thanks for your comment!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I am a high school teacher and it can be so hard to feel appreciated sometimes. The stress that we teachers have to deal with can push us to breaking point; but then something happens to remind us why we came into teaching, to see young minds grow and accomplish what they are capable of
Nicki, I give you credit for being a high school teacher and agree that there may be less love and appreciation of Teachers in high school than with the younger grades. It’s a tough job! I agree that we Teachers push beyond that breaking point and remember why we teach in the first place. Thanks for your comment!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I was a preschool teacher for several years at a private school. It was a ton of work but so worth it. I loved all of my students. Getting hugs from 10 2-year-olds every morning is the best way to start the day!
Don’t ya just love hugs from 2 year olds?! I worked with 2 year olds in my early career and I love it too! Thanks for sharing your comment!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I am a huge fan of teachers! From my own experience, I can always remember those particular teaches that helped me during a turning point in my life. It’s also so wonderful to watch my son build those bonds as well. I remember he had a teacher in elementary school that even came to his birthday parties! We still think of her all the time and the amazing impact that she had on Dylan’s life and support she gave him.
Laura, thank you!!! I’m so glad that you and your son have positive experiences with Teachers. I love being part of my students’ lives and glad that your son was blessed with a caring teacher. Thanks for your thoughtful comment!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I have so much respect for teachers! Some of my friends teach and it’s amazing how much of their own free time and money is spent on the job. Decorating the room and purchasing supplies that should be provided by the school. And then the stress from parents who expect teachers to basically raise their children for them. Thank you to all the teachers out there making positive impacts on the children in their care!
Grace… what a great reply! Thank you for your kind and caring words about teachers. It’s support from people like you that makes Teachers happy!!! Thanks for your comment!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers