May 8 is National Teacher Day. It’s a day to celebrate, give thanks for, and acknowledge the teachers in our lives. Our school celebrates teachers all week long. Personally, one day or even one week doesn’t seem like enough. Teachers do so much for our kids, our families, and our communities. Too often, they are given too little pay, too little credit, and too little thanks. In addition, they are frequently asked to take on issues and responsibilities way beyond their job descriptions. Nevertheless, teachers continue to work hard, champion our children, and help build and strengthen our communities.
What Do Teachers Do All Day?
You see, teachers don’t just teach. What they do on a daily basis goes way beyond what happens in the classroom. Teachers create lesson plans, attend after school meetings and training sessions, take papers home to grade, and search for deals on classroom supplies that aren’t covered by the school budget (hint, most of them aren’t covered in the budget). Those are just some of the “extras” teachers do that relate to running their classrooms.
Teachers also go way beyond the classroom requirements. Being a teacher means being a master negotiator, a part-time nurse and supplier of band-aids and ice packs, a social worker who tries to help children and parents sort out issues at home, a cheerleader, a friend, and so much more. Before you know it, we’ll be asking teachers to arm themselves and become security guards too. Oh, wait…
Teachers Love Our Kids
There is an emotional part of the job that is hard to describe to people who do not work with children and families. When I refer to the kids I teach as “my kids” it’s not just a phrase. You get really attached to your students, even the ones that are difficult. Spending nine months with a group of kids, watching them learn and grow, sharing experiences, both the ups and the downs, creates strong connections.
I have teacher friends who would rather go to work with a raging fever than leave their kids (yes, their kids) to an unknown substitute. Drawing up sub plans is also a major factor in why teachers teach when they are ill. Sometimes it is easier to go to work sick that to try and explain on paper everything that needs to be done in one day. When I was teaching reading intervention classes, I brought food for my students who regularly failed to get breakfast at home. It’s hard to learn on an empty stomach. Another veteran teacher told me that you never know if your classroom is the only safe and positive place a child has to go to. So make sure each child knows you are their safe place. I try very hard to let my kids (yes, they are mine while they’re with me) know I always have their back.
The Downside of Teaching
Teaching is a draining job for many people. About 40% of new teachers quit after five years in the classroom. I don’t know of another profession that has this kind of turnover rate. My personal experience is that there is a huge lack of support for teachers at a variety of levels. In many places, a lack of respect is shown to the profession. Parents, administrators, and politicians seem to constantly question the job teachers do. Critics blame teachers for everything from low test scores to poor behavior, and even creating the environments that lead to school violence. Really? Is it really fair to lay all this at the feet of teachers? Couldn’t some of it be due to other factors? Like, oh, lack of parenting, violence in society at large, poorly funded schools, and poverty.
The administrators are often on a completely different page than those who work in the trenches (or classrooms). Decisions are made by people who often have little to no classroom experience. What looks good on paper to politicians and administrators is often the wrong thing in the classroom.
Hard Work, Low Pay, Little Respect
Money is also a big issue for teachers. It’s crazy to me that teaching doesn’t pay a living wage in many parts of the U.S. Teachers often take second and even third jobs to make ends meet. And yet, teachers regularly use their own personal funds to pay for classroom necessities. I remember my son’s first grade teacher asking for paper donations because the budget only allowed for one box of copy paper for the entire school year. The class went through the budgeted amount in about a month. Teachers simply don’t have enough funds and supplies to run their classrooms efficiently. One only has to watch the recent news to see that teachers are speaking up and even marching and striking to get their point across.
Are teachers being heard? Politicians have recently made comments such as the Governor of Oklahoma that compared teachers in her state asking for better wages and more educational funding to “a teenager asking for a better car.” Ugh. And the Kentucky governor said that recent teacher strikes left children vulnerable to sexual predators. Seriously? I really try to keep things on this blog positive, so I’m not going to go into my feelings on these comments. Let’s just say I think there are some people who need to spend more time working with kids and teachers and less time making comments and rules that show they haven’t spent that time yet.
Time to Show Some Love and Support
This brings us to National Teacher Day (or week if you’re generous). If you have kids in school, it’s easy. Send a supportive email. Give a thoughtful gift. Send flowers. Say thank you. Gift cards are very much appreciated. Teach your children to show respect and be good citizens. A smile and kind word go a long way. Chocolate isn’t bad either.
If you’re kids are grown or you don’t have children, you can still show support. Make a donation to your local school. Ask a friend or neighbor about how you can help their children’s teachers. Write a letter of support for teachers to your local administrators or government officials.
Great Things for Great Teachers
In honor of Teacher Day, some businesses are offering deals to teachers. On May 8, Chipotle is offering buy one get one free burrito bowls to teachers. You just need to show your school ID. Ann Taylor Loft offers teachers 15% discounts on full price clothing every day. JoAnn’s Fabrics also offers 15% off for teachers every day. All major cell phone carriers offer discounts for teachers. Several insurance companies offer teacher discounts as well (Farmer’s, Liberty Mutual, and Esurance). Legoland in Florida and California offers free admission for teachers on specific days. There are so many others, I may just have to do a post focusing on teacher discounts. And it never hurts to ask if a business gives an educator discount.
Ideas For Teacher Day Appreciation Gifts
If you’re not sure what a teacher might like, here are a few ideas. Please note that this post contains affiliate links. This means I may receive a commission on any sales. Please see disclose page for more details.
- Gift Cards – Most teachers will end up using gift cards for classroom supplies. Target, Staples, Walmart, Michael’s, and Amazon are all great gift cards to give teachers. I have also been given gift cards to restaurants (Jamba Juice, Starbucks, Red Robin) and they have been much appreciated.
- Flowers – A bunch of flowers in your student’s hand is sure to bring a smile to their teacher’s face. I especially love homegrown flowers. They say you took a little time that morning to think of of me.
- Chocolate – Most teachers I know love chocolate. It’s like our natural mood enhancer. My daughter works for See’s Candies and I sometimes drop off a box in the teacher’s lounge. It is always appreciated.
- Personal and Specialized Gifts – What does your teacher love? I know a teacher that collect all things apple and another who loves pink pigs. There are a million ideas in this category. One of my favorite gifts in a hanging letter K decorated by one of my favorite students. My kids call me Mrs. K. Make it something unique and personal to your teacher. I know teacher who received a collection of nuts. Unfortunately, she’s highly allergic to them. Another teacher was given a bottle of wine, but she doesn’t drink alcohol. Make sure you know some details about your teacher before deciding on a gift.
- Books – You can buy books for classroom use or books for personal use. Pretty much every teacher I know loves books. A few personal favorites are as follows:
Thank You
to My Teachers
to My TeachersIt’s been a really long time since I went to school as a student, but there are some teachers who still come to my mind when I think of those who made a difference in my life. I am fortunate to have had some teachers who loved working with children, with teenagers, and with college students. My mom still runs into some of my old teachers and they still ask about me. That’s one of the benefits to growing up in a small town. My first grade teacher, Mrs. Collison, came to my bridal shower and gave me a beautiful set of antique silver. My middle school history teacher, Mr. Holland, lit a fire in me for studying history that has never died. He also spoke at my grandfather’s funeral. Like I said, I grew up in a small town. Nancy Macko and Rita Roberts were college professors that inspired, supported, and encouraged me. When I think of my favorite teachers, these are some of the people I think of. Thank you for being there for me.
My children have also had some wonderful teachers. I consider many of them my friends. They helped me educate and raise my family. And many are also my work colleagues. Inspirational women and men who work hard to make a difference. They have made a difference in my life and I am thankful.
Thank you for reading and please share using the social media buttons below. Better yet, share with a teacher and thank them at the same time.
