I grew up with teachers.
My parents were educators, who worked in American international schools for 28 years and prior to that on an American Indian reservation in Arizona. Their careers spanned 35 years and if I learned anything from them, it was how much they enjoyed their jobs, how hard they worked and how dedicated they were. They loved children and were good at their jobs.
I spent many weekends in either one of their classrooms “playing teacher” as they worked on their lesson plans in preparation for the week ahead. As I got older, I was recruited to help cut out letters, assemble packets, test markers, organize books, try out a new project or craft or run dittos (remember those?).
It was fun being at school after hours and hanging out with teachers when they weren’t in “teacher mode”. Having them over for dinner or vacationing with them and their families humanized them. They were my parents friends and once I became an adult, they were mine too.
I’ve always thought teachers were amazing, selfless people. I realize now that I am a parent, how much faith and trust we put in our children’s teachers and I know that our education system is suffering in this country and our teachers aren’t paid enough for what they do. Many of our classrooms are overcrowded and special needs aren’t being met.
Nevertheless, teachers are the people who educate us and give us the vital knowledge which we need to live our lives. They encourage, support, discipline and prepare us for the road ahead and they deserve a time for us to show them our appreciation.
Teacher Appreciation Week is this week (May 7-11) and it is the perfect opportunity for us to show teachers how thankful we are for their support.
Demonstrate how much the teachers in your life mean to you by saying thank you to the people who work really hard so that we can have a better future.
Lucas took Starbucks gift cards to preschool yesterday for each of his teachers. The smiles on their faces told me that they would be put to good use.
Have you done anything special for the teachers in your life?
For some simple and inexpensive gift ideas, visit my post today on Smart Mom Style.
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My sis is a teacher and LOVES the Starbucks gift cards parents give her – so, high five! She puts so much love and effort into her class – one of those teachers who really cares about her students and helps them do well. I know she really appreciates when parents even just say thanks.
Thanks! I know I need my caffeine from time to time. 🙂
Oh Tonya…another reason I love you! Thank you for recognizing teachers here in your space. I bet your parents were AMAZING teachers. They were the kind of educators who are hard to follow, but that I have to try. Because all children need wonderful teachers.
Children do need wonderful teachers. I wish there were more of them. Sigh…
My kids have been lucky in that their school has managed to keep classroom sizes as small as they can and the kids have had one on one attention when they need it.
They’ve had wonderful teachers throughout the years and for that I am grateful because there is no way that I could teach them math the way they have or gotten them to understand various concepts.
I wish that teachers got more credit than they do.
That’s wonderful. I think the key is in the classroom size.
Teachers are wonderful people and they should always be appreciated.