It is almost time for kids to go back to school. Regardless of your stance on whether or not schools should reopen this fall, even when we’re not in the middle of a pandemic I think we all can agree that teachers deserve to be appreciated. While some consider teaching a cushy job with evenings and summers free, those of us who are or have been teachers know that this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Teaching is often a thankless job. I say this because having been a teacher myself for many years I am all too aware of the time, attention, and energy that goes into planning and teaching every lesson. During my tenure as a high school teacher I regularly worked 60 to 80 hour weeks, putting in extra time before school and after school – planning, preparing lessons, writing special education reports and IEPs, tutoring students, and meeting with parents, to name but a few tasks. My evenings consisted of additional planning or grading, stopping to have just a brief dinner with my husband, only to resume work well into the wee hours of the morning. My weekends were no different. And my summers? While I did take some personal time for my own mental health, summers were usually spent preparing for the following year and its inevitable changes.
And yet, most people don’t know this about teachers. Why? Because they rarely, if ever, talk about these aspects of teaching. And why is that? Because they love what they do. They love their students and their families; they genuinely care about imparting knowledge and want to ensure their students are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in life. Teachers believe in the power of education and what it can mean for the futures of their students.
On a daily basis, during the school year or not, during a pandemic or not, teachers often sacrifice their own money, lunch and prep times, evenings with family, precious sleep and their general comfort for the sake of the children they teach. As I said, teaching is a thankless task, because more often than you might think, teachers are not thanked or appreciated for the daily sacrifices they make. In fact, it is usually expected of them. But, every teacher will tell you it is all worth it. Teachers know that what they don’t get paid for in dollars or in general appreciation, they are rewarded for in heaps of “aha moments” – those special moments when a light bulb goes off over a student’s head and he or she grasps a concept or has an epiphany. Teachers live for those moments.
Teachers educate, counsel, listen, advise, guide, feed, comfort and nurture our children. It is an undeniable fact that teachers are an invaluable resource to our society. This year in particular, they are essential workers on the front lines. Whether they are in the classroom running reading stations or orchestrating a Zoom lesson for their students from their kitchen table, one thing is certain – they are dedicated, compassionate and loving, and will most certainly give 100% of themselves to ensure their students learn, grow and thrive.
So, if you know of a special teacher in your life – your child’s teacher, your college professor, or your old high school teacher with whom you still keep in contact because they made such an impression on your life – take the time to say “thank you” this fall.
Many teachers will be returning to the classroom, again sacrificially putting the needs of their students above their own safety. They will undoubtedly need some extra encouragement and appreciation this year. To all teachers (AND parents who are homeschooling), no matter where you are teaching this year – in the classroom, on Zoom, or even if you’ve chosen to leave public schools and tutor privately – we say “THANK YOU!” and “WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU DO!” Have a great year!
Here a few easy ways to say “Thank you” to those favorite teachers or home-schooling parents in your life!
1. Write a thank you card. It sounds simple enough, but can be just what a person needs to brighten their day. Not great with words? Saying, “I/we appreciate you. Have a great school year!” can be just as meaningful as a more verbose message.
2. Give a plant (bamboo, a small fern or pothos are all great, easy-to-care-for options!) with a note attached saying, “Thanks for helping me grow!” Plants help any classroom feel more cozy and inviting. I had several plants throughout my classroom and my students loved caring for them. I often had students tell me they felt “at home” in my room. That is one of the biggest compliments any teacher can receive!
3. Prepare a gift basket of yummy treats and goodies to be shared in a common area (i.e. teachers’ lounge, lobby, etc.). Be sure to add some healthy options, such as fruit, for those who can’t have sugary treats. Decorate it with a simple bow or ribbon and don’t forget to add a note of thanks to your basket as the final touch!
4. Donate classroom materials or cleaning supplies. Teachers always need extra tissue boxes, disinfectant wipes, paper towels, and hand sanitizer (and this was before the pandemic!!). And I don’t know about other teachers, but I always seemed to need white board markers! Teachers will always appreciate anything, but if you’re still not sure what to donate, just ask. It will mean a lot to them just knowing that you cared enough to inquire.
5. Personalize a gift. Do you have a very special teacher or hero in mind? Give a more personal gift to show them how much you appreciate them. I designed these "JewelryGrams" (dainty paper charm necklaces, pencil jewelry and bookmarks) for just this purpose. I had so much fun creating the different designs, so you are sure to find a charm or color that will be just right for your special someone. I also designed them to be a gift and card in one! Each piece of jewelry is displayed in a cute gift ‘box’ with a message of your choice making this a truly individualized gift they will love. The best part is, a percentage of all proceeds go to schools and classrooms in need, so you can feel extra good because this is a gift that just keeps on giving!
6. Use your words. Perhaps the easiest way to show your appreciation is…just say, “Thank you.” It is amazing how these two little words can mean so much. I can’t tell you how many times I had a rough day at school and how a simple “thank you” from a student, a colleague or parent who took the time to tell me so, lifted my spirits and truly warmed my heart. Seriously, little acts of kindness can change the world.
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