It's been another week of, "You're not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy." This time it was triggered by teacher appreciation week and the parents of the two schools where I currently teach. In the past I knew it was teacher appreciation week by the fact that the principal would add an announcement to the morning run down that went something like this: "It's teacher appreciation week so students, please try not to cuss out your teachers this week. Show them you're thankful they show up every day and work hard to teach you." That was the start and end of the appreciation, and generally I was ok with it. I didn't go into teaching for the accolades or grand gestures of undying love (if you're considering teaching as a career and that is part of why you're considering it, don't--just don't). I am a teacher because I love kids and I believe that every student has enormous potential. I teach because I love seeing their eyes light up when they finally "get" the skill we've been working on. I teach because of the student who gets a spark of confidence and walks just a little bit straighter after you've told him/her you're proud of them and they did well. In short, I teach because it is what I am called to do. With all that said though I do have to admit that this week has been nice, it is nice to have my work recognized by more than my principal and colleagues. I can hear some people saying, "Yeah, but you teach in Northville, of course the parents there did nice things for their kids' teachers, they have money." And while it's true that Northville is one of the more affluent districts in the state, the reason this week has been nice isn't because the parents spent a lot of money on us. It's been more because they took the time and made the effort to come to the school and say, "Thank you, we appreciate what you do for our kids." Was there money spent? Yes, there was some candy given and cookies baked and popcorn popped, but nothing extravagant. Did we teachers appreciate and enjoy the candy and other treats? Yes, of course we did. But what was it that was being talked about over and over in the teacher workrooms and over the copiers? It wasn't the candy and other treats, that's for sure! It was the fact that the parents actually came to school, looked us in the eye, said "thank you" and meant it. No matter who you are, where you live, or how much money you have (or don't have) you too can appreciate the teachers in your life; it doesn't take much--just a couple of moments to stop and see them, or write a note and staple it to your child's homework (assuming it doesn't get lost in the back back of doom or the locker of no return--these are teenagers were talking about) and simply say, "thank you". Oh, and if you are looking to go the extra mile, go find an inner-city teacher and thank them for showing up and doing their best every day in the hardest of schools---take them a box of pencils, they'll really appreciate it.
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AuthorI've been teaching since 2000 and love what I do! Archives
May 2018
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